FOREWORD

This manual contains Programming information for Zebra Series Card Printers manufactured by
Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California.

Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of the manufacturer. It is intended solely for the in-
formation and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such pro-
prietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other
purpose without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer.

Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of the manufacturer. All specifications and signs
are subject to change without notice.

Liability Disclaimer
The manufacturer takes steps to assure that its published Engineering specifications and Manuals
are correct; however, errors do occur. The manufacturer reserves the right to correct any such er-
rors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

No Liability for Consequential Damage

In no event shall the manufacturer or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery
of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages what-
soever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption,
loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of use of
or inability to use such product, even if the manufacturer has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential
or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

Trademarks and Copyrights

The Zebra logo and the zebra head design are both registered trademarks of ZIH Corp.
Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Software® Zebra Technologies Corporation; all rights reserved worldwide.

All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

This copyrighted manual and the software described herein are owned by the manufacturer. All
rights are reserved. Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.

©2006 ZIH Corp. All rights reserved.

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ii
 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Common Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Programming Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Basic Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Command Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Image Memory Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Bit-Map Compression Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Data-to-Card Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Card Handling Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Command Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Sample Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Parallel Port Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Error Line Coding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

COMMAND REFERENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

A - Print Test Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
!AO - Check Patch Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
!AT - Check Heat Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
ATM - Set Card Feeding Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
&B - Load Magnetic Encoder Track Write Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
+B - Serial Interface Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
+BS - Set Black Synchro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
B/vB - Write Bar Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
&C - Set Coercivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
+C - Adjusts Monochrome Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
+$C - Adjust Color Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
!CC - Get Number of Cards Printed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
!CCLN - Check Cleaning Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
+CCLN - Set Cleaning Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
%CDER - Get Magnetic Encoder Read Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
&CDER - Set Magnetic Encoder Track Read Encode Parameters . . . 2-23
&CDEW - Set Magnetic Encoder Track Write Encode Parameters . . . 2-25
+CDOTS - Image Print Quality Compensation Factor . . . . . . . . . 2-27
+CH - Adjust Hologram Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
CHECK - Return Checksum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
CLEAN - Set Cleaning Card Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
!CLEAN - Clean the Laminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-31
%CLN - Check Due-for-Cleaning Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
CLNCARD - Set Cleaning Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
CRB - Set Reject Box Card Count Warning Threshold . . . . . . . . . 2-34
!CT - Check Cooling Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
+CT - Set Cooling Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36
+CV - Adjust Clear Varnish Intensity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-37
C/vC - Write Box (Monochrome). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
!D - Move Print Head Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
&D - Change Track Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

iii
 +DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Continued) . . . . . . . . 2-42
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Continued) . . . . . . . . 2-43
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Continued) . . . . . . . . 2-44
D/vD - Draw Diagonal Line (Monochrome/Overlay). . . . . . . . . . 2-45
E - Retransmit Last Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46
&E - Write Single Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-47
&E* - Write Track Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-48
+EC - End of Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49
$F - Clear Color Image Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-50
!FF - Set Ribbon Color Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
$FP - Clear Specified Bit-Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52
FS - Control Use of Card Feed Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
F/vF - Clear Monochrome Image Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54
GS - Download Color Graphic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-55
G/vG - Initialize Monochrome Graphic (B/W). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56
%HEAD - Get Print Head Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
I - Print Monochrome Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58
IH - Print Hologram Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
IM - Print Color Test Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60
IMB - Print Gray Test Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61
IS - Print Card Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
IV - Print Clear Varnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63
+ISC - Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-64
+ISC2 - Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate (Advanced) . . . . . . 2-65
ISERIES - i-Series Printer Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66
J - Print Multiple Monochrome Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-67
!L - Check Status: P720 Laminator Sensor Levels . . . . . . . . . . 2-68
!L - Check Status of Printer Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-69
$L - Draw a Horizontal Line/Rectangle in a Color Buffer . . . . . . . 2-71
&L - Read Single Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72
+$L - Adjust Specified Color Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74
!LC - Check Lamination Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-75
$LD - Initialize a Color Buffer to a Specified Intensity Level . . . . . 2-76
!LT - Check Lamination Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-77
+LT - Set Lamination Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-78
!LTI - Check Lamination Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-79
+LTI - Set Lamination Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-80
L/vL - Draw Horizontal Line (Monochrome/Overlay) . . . . . . . . . 2-81
!M - Move Print Head Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82
MB - Return Card To Card Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-83
MC - Clear Media Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-84
MCL - Move Contactless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-85
ME - Exit Card To Output Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-86
MF - Flip Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-87
MI - Move Card Into Print Ready Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-88
MIB - Move Card Back To Print Ready Position . . . . . . . . . . . 2-89
MM - Move Card Through Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-90
M/m - Multiple Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-91
MO - Move Card To Output Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92
MR - Check for Card Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-93

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MRB - Move Card to Reject Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-94
MS - Move Card To Smart Card Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-95
MS - Move Card To Smart Card Programmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-96
&– Select Magnetic Encoding Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-97
!NL - Get Printer Impression and Error Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-98
!O - Check Card Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-99
+O - Print Offset X-Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-100
+OCL - Offset Contactless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-101
!OFP - Check X-Axis Patch Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-102
+OFP - Adjust X-Axis Laminator Patch Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-103
+OLP - Offset Overlaminate Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-104
!OP - Check Patch Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-105
+OP - Adjust Laminator Patch X and Y Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-106
+OS - Smart Card X-axis Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-107
O/vO - Load Single Line Bit-map (Monochrome) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-108
+OY - Print Offset Y-axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-110
!P - Move Card Forward 8 cm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-111
&P - Check Card Present - Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-112
+PRF - Pre-Feed a Card Close to the Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . 2-113
PS - Download Color Image Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-114
P/vP - Draw Single Dot (Monochrome/Overlay) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-115
R - Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-116
!R - Print Head Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-117
&R - Reset Magnetic Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-118
>R - Read Data From Smart Card Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . 2-119
+RB - Set Reject Box Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-120
>RB - Read Data From Smart Card Serial Interface in ASCII hex Form
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-121
RCBC - Reset Rejected Card Box Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-122
>RG - Contact Internal Gemplus Smart Card Read Command. . . . 2-123
+RIB - Set Ribbon Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-124
!RIBBON - Check Ribbon Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-125
!RIBBON - Get ribbon type installed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-126
+RIBBON - Set Ribbon Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-127
!RIBPN- Get ribbon part number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-128
!RIBLEN- Get number of remaining panels on ribbon . 2-129
+RO - X-Axis Offset, Relative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-130
+ROY - Y-Axis Offet, Relative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-131
!SA - Self Adjust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132
!SAN - Perform pre-calibration baseline testing . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-134
!SB - Check Stand-By Mode Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-135
+SB - Configure Laminator Stand-By Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-136
SDATA - Force immediate save of parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-137
!SERIE - Get Laminator Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-138
%SERIE - Get Printer Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-139
SF - Synchronize Film (Overlaminate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-140
!SIDE - Check Lamination Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-141
+SIDE - Set Lamination Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-142
&SVM - Disable/Enable Magnetic Encoding Verifications . . . . . . . 2-143
&T - Magnetic Encoder Card Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-144
+TC - Set Laminator Head Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-145

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 TF - Film Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-146
T/vT - Draw Text (Monochrome/Overlay) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-147
T/vT - ASCII Text (Continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-148
V - Check Printer Type/Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-149
!V - Return Operational Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-150
+V - Black Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-151
+VL - Set Lamination Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-152
!W - Move Card Backward 8 cm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-153
&W - Change Encoding Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-154
>W - Write Data To Smart Card Serial Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-155
>WB - Write Data Formatted in ASCII HEX To Smart Card Serial Port
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-156
>WG - Contact Internal Gemplus Smart Card Write Command . . 2-157
!X - Check Command Initiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-158
+X - Change Command Initiation Character . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-159
!Z - Re-Synchronize Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-160
Z/vZ - Load Bit-map (Monochrome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-161
. - Clear Error Status Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-163

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Resident Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Code 39
(Code 3 of 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Standard 2 of 5
(Code 2/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Interleaved 2 of 5
(Code I 2/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
UPC-A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
EAN-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
EAN-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Code 128
Subsets B & C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9
EAN International Regulation Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Parallel Port Printer Data Handshake Signal Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Parallel Port Printer Error Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Serial Port Printer Data Handshake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Serial Port Printer
Error Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Magnetic Encoders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Encoder Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Encoder Default Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Basic Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Advanced Encoder Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Resetting The Encoder To ANSI/ISO Track Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Change Track Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5

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Changing Read Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Changing Write Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Custom ISO Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Unique Custom Data Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7

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viii
 INTRODUCTION

This manual describes programming commands that

control operations and deliver data for the following
card printer models:

Features
Models Color Duplex Duplex Log-On
RFID Printing Printing Lamination Security
P110i • •
P120i • • •
P205
P210 • •
P310F
P310C •
P310i • •
P320i • • •
P330i • •
P420 • •
P420i • • • •
P430i • • •
P520 • • •*
P520i • • • •* •
P720 • • • •†
* Model that laminates duplex using same lamination patch type for both card sides
† Model capable of applying different upper and lower lamination patch types onto cards

All models employ a Common Command Set plus

additional Command Sets for any model-specific
features. All models ship with Windows drivers.
Associated programming for use in the Windows
environment is not necessary.

1-1
 Common Features All covered models can print bar-codes in several formats
and have resident scalable font descriptions. Also, all
models can include a Smart-Card Docking Station. P310
and P420 variants can have a Proximity Card docking
Station. All models are offered with or without a Magnetic
Stripe Encoder. A Serial Host Interface is optional on the
P205, P210, P310, and P420 variants, where an
associated RS-232C Setup Command exists. All models
can have USB Ports, either standard or as an option.
The programming commands control the printing process
by color and by ribbon material, allowing overprinting
and separate control of various protective coverings.

Programming The Escape Commands allow printer setups, many of

Objectives which determine how a Printer Module Element reacts
upon receiving an incoming card. For example, a data
download must occur before the Printer Module can print
a card or encode a magnetic stripe.
Except for the Card Feeder, each module has an Input
Sensor that triggers the responses determined previously
by setup commands.
Card Sensors also allow the Firmware to keep track of the
position of the card in the Card Path. Therefore, the need
for card positioning occurs as an automatic response to
related commands. For example, with no card in the
Card Path, a Print Command produces a Card Feed.
Similarly, if a Print Command occurs after a card has
passed beyond the Print Head, the card first returns to the
Print Head.
Ribbons come in different panel configurations, and how
the printer responds to a Print Command varies
according to the Ribbon Type Command Parameters
specified. For each ribbon type, a related print sequence
exists. However, all models equipped with the RFID
feature sense the ribbon type, and firmware takes care of
this parameter.
While some commands affect just one printer module,
others can produce responses from more than one. Also,
some commands serve as setups for a particular printer
and, therefore, need not be reestablished for each print
job. Notably, all command parameters end up in Flash
memory.

1-2
Ribbons Ribbon types exist in the following configurations:

• Continuously Coated Monochrome Ribbons are

Thermal Transfer Ribbons having a resin coating and no
panel separations. Zebra offers these in several ribbon
colors along with a Scratch-Off Gray, usable in all mod-
els but an obvious choice for use in Monochrome
Printers.
• Black Sublimination Dye alternated with Var-
nish Panels that image black and white gray-scale ele-
ments. An excellent choice for imaging black-and-white
photo images, followed by an application of a UV pro-
tective coating.
• Black Resin alternated with Varnish Panels that
image fully saturated black and apply a protective coat-
ing. Ideal for imaging solid graphic elements such as
Text and Bar Codes.
• Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan Panels for imaging
only Dye Sublimination Color. Typically used in printers
with no requirement for Resin or Varnish. Notably, Yel-
low, Magenta, and Cyan Panels can combine to pro-
duce Black, and a Laminator removes a need for
Varnish.
• Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan Panels for imaging
Dye Sublimination Color followed by Black
Resin and Varnish Panels. Dye Sublimination Im-
ages should have a protective coating, and Black Resin
serves as an excellent choice for Text and Bar Codes.
Thus, Color Printers without Laminators typically use
these ribbons.
• Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan Panels for imaging
Dye Sublimination Color followed by a single
Black Resin Panel. While a Laminator precludes the
need for varnish, a solid resin black produces the best
Bar Codes and offers another, sometimes better, way to
image Black Text and other black graphic elements.

• Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan Panels for imaging

Dye Sublimination Color followed by a two
Black Resin Panels. This ribbon offers imaging for
color plus resin on one card side and only resin on the
other side while using single set of ribbon panels.

1-3
 Models
Printer Ribbons *Panel
Count P205 P310 P420 P520 P720
P210 P320
Kresin (all monochrome colors) 1 • • • • •
Scratch-off Gray 1 • • • •
KresinO 2 • • •
KdyeO 2 • • •
YMC 3 • •
YMCK 4 • •
YMCKresinO 5 • • •
YMCKresinKresin 5 • •
YMCKresinOKresin 6 •
* P310 monochrome and P205 printers only use 1-panel ribbons.

Modular Elements: • Print Engine—Being the primary controlling element in

all printer models, the Print Engine CPU receives Host
Commands. Received commands can encompass oper-
ations that directly control the Print Engine and opera-
tions that draw on other Printer Elements for execution.
Whereas some elements have their own CPUs, the Print
Engine CPU exercises complete control over other ele-
ments. Only in P520s and P720s can a command be di-
rected to another element (the Laminator CPU). An
associated Element-Specific Command Prefix exists for
this purpose. Besides its print function, Print Engines
have Options that include a Magnetic Stripe Encoder
and/or a Smart Card Docking Station. Some Models also
offer Proximity (Contactless) Card Docking as an alterna-
tive to Smart Card Docking.
• Card Feeder—This element delivers cards placed in the
Card Input Hopper to the Card Path inside the Printer un-
der control of the Print Engine CPU.
• Card Flip—Printers with this element can flip cards in
preparation for duplex printing or, in the case of a P520,
Second Side Lamination. Card Flip Stations can also de-
liver cards with sensed flaws to the Rejected Card Box.
This element has its own CPU that carries out the details
of instructions received.
• Single Side Laminator—P520 Printers can place a
protective transparent patch on one card surface at a
time. This element also has its own CPU that carries out
the details of instructions received.
• Duplex Laminator—Printers with this element lami-
nate both card surfaces in a single lamination pass. This
element also has its own CPU that carries out the details
of instructions received.
• Operator LCD Control Panel—Printers with this ele-
ment convey messages to operators via a 1- or 2-line by

1-4
 16- character LCD screen and allow operator responses
and Printer Control. Power and Alert LEDs also appear.
This element also has its own CPU that carries out the
details of instructions received.

Significant model/configuration differences

related to programming include the following:

• P310 Monochrome card printers have a smaller com-

mand set along with an image buffer sufficient for a
one-bit image mapping depth. Imaging using Thermal
Transfer Methodology occurs, supported by Thermal
Transfer Printer Ribbons. (Only fully-saturated dots im-
age in a single print pass.) Any gray-scale imaging re-
quires host data mapped into multiple-dot matrixes,
sized for the de sired gray-scale range (e.g., a
four-by-four dot pixel matrix can produce 16 levels of
gray plus white, [(4 x 4)2/16 + white]). Gray Levels de-
rive from the number of dots imaged inside the matrix.
• P310 Color card printers employ dye sublimation
methodology for color imaging and thermal transfer
methodology for imaging from Resin Monochrome Rib-
bons or Ribbon Panels. A yellow, magenta, and cyan
imaging sequence occurs. Each ribbon panel produces
images from five-bit-per-dot data.

The black panels on Zebra-supplied ribbons with color

panels have a resin coating that particularly suits
bar-code and other solid image printing (i.e., no gray
scale). However, resin responds poorly as a dye subli-
mation print medium. Therefore, the black used for
gray-scale imaging comes from formulations of yellow,
m a g e n t a , a n d c y a n ( Y M C ) , wh i c h m e a n s
dye-sublimation black also has a five-bit-per-dot range
( 3 2 le v e l s o f g r a y ) . I f t h e n e e d f o r a
resin-panel-generated gray scale should ever become
necessary, associated host data must be mapped into
multiple-dot pixel matrixes as noted in the P310 Mono-
chrome description.

1-5
 • P310 Color Card Printers have five image buff-
ers—three for color and another for two for mono-
chrome. The color buffer receives downloads of Cyan,
Magenta, and Yellow image data, each five bits deep.
The Monochrome Buffer receives black and/or varnish
data one bit deep. Separate data for Resin Black and
Overlay Varnish can often be avoided. Because of its du-
rability, card areas with resin images may not require var-
nish for the associated ultraviolet protection. Therefore,
by using a reverse imaging for varnish, the same bit-map
used for resin produces a varnish overlay that omits the
areas with resin. Also, through reverse imaging, a Clear
Command can prepare Monochrome Memory for a
full-coverage varnish.
• P420s employ the same Print Engines as the P310 Color
described above. Because P420s also have a Card-Flip
assembly and a Rejected Card Box, these models have
some additional related commands. P420s also have an
interface that supports the programming of Proximity
Cards (also called Contactless Cards). Memory size is
doubled to support two-sided printing.
• P520s have all the same implementations as a P420, in-
cluding Smart Card stations, and Magnetic Encoders as
options. However, P520s also have a Card Laminator
Station. Laminators serve as heat-transfer devices for
material or panels contained on Lamination Ribbons. A
variety of these kinds of ribbons exist, as follows:
• Ribbons with transparent die-cut patches that offer
near edge-to-edge card coverage
• Die cuts with cutouts for Smart Card Contacts, and
smaller die cuts that serve to avoid Magnetic Stripes
• Preprinted Patches that contain security devices such
as graphics, holograms, or other optically-encoded
safeguards

P520 Laminators can also serve a heat-transfer func-

tion for ribbons containing a coating instead of
die-cut panels. However, only a total card application
can occur. Because the Print Station can have a Dye
Sublimation Ribbon with Varnish Panels, many
choices exist for selection of protective coatings. Ad-
ditional commands exist to implement Laminator
use.
• Instead of just an <Esc>, a P520 Command meant
for the Laminator needs a preceding:

<Esc>#<Space>1<Space>

1-6
 • P720s have P420 elements plus a Laminator module
that fully implements simultaneous near edge-to-edge
patch applications from above and below the Card
Path. Integral sensors assure accurate patch placements
and signal the Ribbon Types in use and the amount re-
maining on their cores.

Basic Command Each command begins with a Command Initiator (the

Syntax Escape Character). For P520s, directing characters can
follow the Escape Character.
The Command Initiator serves to mark the character(s)
immediately following as command characters.
Command characters vary between one and seven
characters (or up to seven bytes of hexadecimal data).
Some Commands then have one or more Parameters to
supply the printer with information necessary to
complete the command. A Space Character delineates
individual Command Control Parameters. The following
Text Command shows a typical example.
Each Command Line requires a Carriage Return
Character (13 dec. or 0D hex.). The Printer ignores a
single Line Feed (LF) character (Dec. 10 or 0A Hex.)
when it immediately follows the command terminating
Carriage Return. Most PC Based Systems send a CR/LF
when the Enter Key is pressed.
Command Name

WRITE TEXT
<Esc>T p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 data<Rtn>
Command

Text

Parameters

<Esc>T 100 100 0 1 20 30 1 Text<Rtn>

ASCII Programming Code

1B54203130302031303020302031203230203330203120546578740D
Hexadecimal Programming Code
Space (Delimiters)
Escape (Command Initiator)
Carriage Return (Command Terminator)

1-7
 Command Editor Any ASCII based Text Editor can serve to create simple
command files. In the DOS environment, MS-DOS EDIT
offers a good choice. To execute the file, use the Print
Command from the editor, or from DOS, the COPY
Command, to send the file to the printer. Examples using
the COPY Command are:

COPY file name.ext LPT1

For more information on the use of the COPY command,

refer to a DOS Software Manual.
Some text editing programs can cause printer errors by add-
ing extra characters or by changing existing characters
when generating a near ASCII formatted file.

Example: A common ASCII editor, BRIEF, changes all NUL

characters to the SPACE or TAB characters with a File
Save. The graphic data for print intensity level “0" is the
NUL character. This causes the resulting file to print with
horizontal lines in all graphics with solid white (i.e.,
no-print) areas. Other editors may add a SUB character
(Dec. 26 or 1A Hex.), which causes the printer to error.

Image Memory Figure 1-1 shows elements involved in image data flow.
Arrangements Note that two Image Memory Configurations exist and
that Image Memory always contains compressed data.
Ideally, hosts should send compressed data, which
requires a compatible compression algorithm. This can
substantially reduce the data transfer times of most image
files.

Monochrome Printers need no Color Buffers and offer

less memory capacity. Color Printers may need as many
as five buffers and, therefore, have a greater memory
capacity. In most cases, compressed data for an entire
card image fits into available memory in a single
download sequence.
Color-separated data enters related buffers due to a
buffer-specifying parameter in the Color Data Command.

1-8
 Host Computer
Figure 1-1 Bypassed
Image Memory when Host
Compressed
Arrangements

CARD PRINTER Color Printer

Memory
Image Data
Compression Yellow Yellow
Monochrome Algorithm Buffer Buffer
Printer Memory

Magenta Magenta
Mono. Image buffer buffer
Buffer Buffers
Cyan Cyan
Buffer Buffer
Image Data
Black Black
Decompression Buffer Buffer
Algorithm
Varnish Varnish
Buffer Buffer

Print Head
Registers SINGLE DUPLEX

Bit-Map Characteristically, a Bit-Map Compression Algorithm

Compression flags data segments as either repeating or non-repeating,
specifies the bytes repeated, and the number of repeats.
Algorithm For these card printers, compression applies to
byte-wide bit-map segments, which the host sends with
the PS, GS, Z, and vZ commands. The PS and GS
commands include parameters specifying a buffer
(YMCK). Monochrome commands Z and vZ send
associated bit-map data to the Black (K) and Varnish
Buffers, respectively. All of these commands include
parameters that specify whether or not the command
applies to compressed data. For recognition by the card
printer, compressed data must conform to the following
rules:
Rule 1. When high, the most significant bit (the Flag
Bit) of a two-byte sequence indicates that the second
byte repeats. The remaining seven bits of the first byte
specify the number of repeats, allowing a
field-specification range of from zero to 127 repeats.

1-9
 Rule 2. When low, the Flag Bit of a data sequence
indicates that the remaining seven bits of the byte specify
the number of following bytes that represent
non-repeating image data. Here, however, the range
allows a specification of from zero to 31 bytes of data.
Rule 3. The first byte in the Data Field of any command
specifying a Compressed Bit-Map must have the
Compression Flag high, even if a one must be entered as
the number of bytes repeated.
Rule 4. No other algorithm can be used to compress
image data for this card printer.
Figure 1-2 includes examples of data strings employing
compression.

1-10
 Figure 1-2
Bit-Map
Compression
0XXX XXXX ---Bytes (0~31)---
Data Compression Flag Off
No. of Non-Compressed Bytes
Non-Compressed Data

Mono. Panel 8-Dot Data Field

1XXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Data Compression Flag Set
No. of Repeats (1~127)
Data Byte Repeated

Dye Sub. Panel 1-Dot Data Field

1XXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Data Compression Flag Set
No. of Repeats (1~127)
Data Byte Repeated

Compression Example 1
0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0000 0011 0000 0011 0000 0011

1F Hex (5 repeats) 03 Hex (3 repeats)

85 1F 83 03

Compressed Data
1000 0101 0001 1111 1000 0011 0000 0011

Compression Example 2
0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0001 1111 0000 0100 0000 1011 0000 0011

1F Hex (5 repeats) 04 0B 03 Hex (0 repeats)

85 1F 03 04 0B 03

Compressed Data
1000 0101 0001 1111 0000 0011 0000 0100 0000 1011 0000 0011

1-11
1-12
Figure 1-3

Bit-Map
Non-Compressed

1 Byte
1B 5A
00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00
00 03 F0 00 00 00
00 0F FC 00 00 00
00 1F FE 00 00 00
00 3F FF 00 00 00
00 3F FF 00 00 00
00 7F FF 80 00 00
00 7F FF 80 00 00
00 7F FF 80 00 00
00 FC 0F C0 00 00
00 F0 03 C0 00 00
00 E0 01 C0 00 00
00 C0 00 C0 01 00
00 C0 00 C0 01 00

x axis
00 C0 00 C0 01 00
00 C0 00 C0 03 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
bit-map in association with compressed data.

00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 FF FF FF FF 00
00 C0 00 00 03 00
non-compressed data. Figure 1-4 shows the same

00 80 00 00 01 00
00 80 00 00 01 00
Figure 1-3 shows how a bit-map relates to associated

00 80 00 00 01 00
00 00 00 00 00 00
0D
 Figure 1-4

00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

00
00
00
87
Compressed

02
02
02
02
3C
00
00
00
00
00
00
01
01
01
03
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
03
01
01
01
Bit-Map

00
00
00
00
00
00
80
80
C0
C0
C0
C0
C0
C0
C0
02
02
02
02
02
02
02
18
00
00
00
00
99 00 02

84
84
84
84
84
80
FF
FF
0F
03
01
00
00
00
00
FF
FF
FF
FF
FF
FF
FF
FF
00
00
00
00
1B 5A

F0
FC
FE
FF
FF
FF
7F
7F
FC
F0
E0
C0
C0
C0
C0
84
84
84
84
84
84
84
84
C0
80
80
80
03
0F
1F
3F
3F
7F
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
0D
1 Byte

Data-to-Card Figure 1-5 shows a card consistent with the orientation

Mapping of a card traveling right to left in the Card Path of a
printer. From this perspective, the data field of the PS,
GS, Z, and vZ commands first becomes a
memory-resident image in a designated image buffer.
The Image Buffer, as shown, fills from top to bottom and
from right to left. Because the Image Buffer has a
last-in-first-out (LIFO) arrangement, card images build
from bottom to top and from left to right. This suits the
front-to-back loading of Print Head Registers and the
right-to-left card movement during print cycles. As noted
in the figure, an object mirrored in both axis in the data
sent to the buffer would print normally on the card.

1-13
 Download Buffer Data Command
Figure 1-5 Buffer Select (YMCK) Parameter
Data Sent verses Compressed vs. Uncompressed Parameter
Data Downloaded (300dpi/11,8dpmm)
Card Mapping
PS p1 p2 data.............................data

First Out
Last In
Image Buffer

Print Buffer Command

Buffer Select (CMYK) Parameter

IS p1
Print Direction
Card Size
3.375 x 2.125 in
85,7 x 53,9 mm

Partial-
Image
Origin MAXIMUM CARD IMAGING
646 Line Bytes by 1030 Lines
ASSOCIATED COMMANDS
Monochrome Overlay Color
G IH PS
O IV GS
Z vZ IS
P vP
L* vL*
C* vC*
D* vD*
T vT
B vB
I
* Objects drawn with these commands have an upper-left origin.

Laminator Data Associated printers have no need to print varnish.

Considerations However, the Varnish Buffer stores monochrome data.
Therefore, all data commands for monochrome data
require the “v” preface. A subsequent “I” command
prints data stored in the Varnish Buffer. Note that the IV
Command serves to indicate the presence of a ribbon
with varnish panels that then get bypassed.

1-14
Color Printer Data When converting from another color system to CMY, the
Considerations best possible results occur when a table maps each
source color to a visually equivalent CMY printer color.
Such a table must convert all possible printer colors.
Also, the conversions must be fine-tuned to produce
optimum results. However, for RGB data, a simple
conversion can occur via the following:
Y = 255 - B
M = 255 - G
C = 255 - R.
Color data always enters a color image buffer, either as
Yellow, Magenta, or Cyan. This is also true for KdyeO
ribbon, which images with black dye. The command
designates the buffer differently according to the Buffer
Specification Parameter in the command. Note that the
specification for Dye Sublimation only applies to images
produced using a Dye Sublimation Black Ribbon. All
data associated with these commands represent imaging
consisting of five-bits-per-dot.
Whether downloading data for a partial image (GS
command) or for a complete card image (PS command)
the data must match the associated card area. For partial
images (sometimes called logos because of a typical
application) the GS Command Parameters specify the
area imaged. This assures proper line breaks. Any either
over- or under-flow produces an error. For proper
appearance, color images should not overprint other
card printing.

1-15
Monochrome Data P-Series Printers always download monochrome data
Considerations into a Monochrome Image Buffer. In printers without
Laminators, monochrome data commands prefaced with
a “v” designate the Varnish Buffer. Commands without
the “v” preface designate the buffer used for resin
printing. If only one Monochrome Image Buffer exists, the
command designates the buffer differently depending on
the associated data.
However, most color imaging does not need a
pre-established Varnish Buffer to apply the varnish
coating. If no Varnish Buffer is downloaded, the printer
defaults to the Resin Buffer for the application of varnish.
This works for three reasons. First, color ribbons have
resin black followed by varnish panels, both limited to
monochrome data. Second, the primary use of varnish is
to protect the dye sublimation imaging from ultraviolet
radiation. Third, because resin may need no varnish
protection, an inverted-resin bit-map can apply varnish.
The IV command has a parameter setting to produce an
inverted data print. Therefore, when suitable, leave the
Resin Buffer unchanged after printing resin. Then, issue
an IV command to print the varnish.
Note that full-coverage varnish, as required for ultraviolet
protection using dye-sublimation black ribbons, requires
only a buffer clear command (F) followed by the inverted
print command (IV).
A watermark simulation can result by, in effect, punching
holes in the varnish image. Similarly, suitable holes in the
varnish application are necessary to prevent coverage
over Magnetic Stripes or Smart Card Contacts. However,
this concern can be avoided by limiting images requiring
varnish to the card sides without contacts or stripes.
A hologram transfer from an associated ribbon occurs by
printing a Varnish Buffer that images the area of the
ribbon containing the hologram. Both of these images
require data previously downloaded into the Varnish
Buffer.

1-16
Monochrome graphic objects can download into
either a Resin or Varnish Buffer. As with the preceding,
a “v” preface designates a buffer that prints with the
“IV” Command, and commands without the “v” preface
designate a buffer that prints with the “I” Command.
Commands exist for downloads of the following graphic
objects:
P/vP Write Dot
L/vL Write Line
C/vC Write Box
D/vD Write Diagonal Line
T/vT Write Text
B/vB Write Bar-Code

The following Graphic Commands have Rotational

Parameters (clockwise):
D/vD (Diagonal Line) 0, 90, or 180°
Center of Rotation lower-left
T/vT (Text) 90° Increments (0~270)
Center of Rotation lower-left or object center
B/vB (Bar Code) 90° Increments (0~270)
Center of Rotation lower-left or object center
Monochrome bit-maps require entry of two
commands—first an initializing command (G) and then
an associated data command. The “G” Command
specifies image placements associated with the following
commands:
O/vO Download Single Line
Z/vZ Download Multiple Lines
Figure 1-5 shows the relationship between data sent by
“O” or “Z” commands and an area previously
established by a “G” command. The “G” command can
also define data as single bits (i.e., image dots).
With dots selected as the Data Mode in the G
Command, data sent to the printer must, nevertheless,
finish on an even byte boundary. When necessary, fill in
zero bits to bytes that do not reach the boundary
specified in the G Command.
Data is handled in bytes decimal (0~255) or
hexadecimal (00~FF) by the printer.

1-17
Bar Codes Bar Codes vary in capacity, size, character sets, and
density. Several industries have adopted specific coding
and bar code formats. A selected Bar Code must match a
code supported by the scanning equipment.
All the Bar Codes offered by the card printers have the
data characters, 2 quiet zones, and Start and Stop
Characters. The Bar Codes can include Text as part of
the Printed Bar Code. Some of the Bar Codes include a
printer-generated Check Digit (or Data Check Sum)
Character automatically or as an option.
A command error condition occurs when Image Data
extends beyond the addressable range of the Image Buffer.
The Bar Code and Text Fields must remain within the ad-
dressable area of the Image Buffer. Each of the Bar Codes,
in the Command B and Appendix-A Descriptions have a
formula to determine a Bar Code Length.

Selecting a larger Bar Code Width Multiplier and a higher

ratio of the narrow to wide bars (and spaces, where applica-
ble) improves the general readability of a Bar Code. Also,
wider bars and spaces increase the depth of field for im-
proved performance with Moving-Beam Lasers and other
non-contact scanning devices.

1-18
 Control The card printers can perform a variety of print, card,
Commands ribbon, head movement, and other control command
operations.

Print Controls Intensity—Adjusts the amount of heat used to transfer

Maximum Intensity Color or Monochrome Dots.
Contrast (Color Only)—Adjusts the minimum
amount of heat used to print dots at the lowest color
setting.
Image Positioning—Locates the printable image on
the card.
Head—Raises the Print Head for card moves and
lowers the head to print. These commands are nested
within Print Commands and typically only support
testing.
Print Test Cards—Initiates a print sequence using
printer-resident data.

Card Movement Print Ready Position—The card moves to a position

just prior to the Card Edge Sensor.
Exit Card—The printer sends the card to the Output
Hopper. For printers with multiple stations, cards exit to
the next station.
Duplex—Flips cards using the Card-Flip Station,
initiated by the MF command.
Ready Smart Card—Positions a Smart Card under the
Smart Card Docking Station, where Smart Card Chip
Contacts make contact and become available at a
rear-mounted printer connector.
Encode Ready position—The card moves to a
position just prior to the Read Write Head of the
Magnetic Encoding Station.
Reject Card—Sends a card to the Rejected Card Box

Ribbon Reset Ribbon—Advances ribbon to prepare for the

first imaging pass (for color, Yellow) or cycles a
continuous color Monochrome Ribbon.
Select Panel—Resets, then advances ribbon to a
command-specified panel.

1-19
 Card Handling The following outlines a recommended card handling
Process sequence:

1. Smart Card Programming - Option

2. Magnetically Encode Card - Option
3. Print Card
For color, print:

Yellow

Magenta

Cyan

Black

Clear Varnish
4. Duplex - Flip Card - Option
5. Print Card Backside - Option
For color, print:

Yellow

Magenta

Cyan

Black

Clear Varnish

Hologram Lamination
6. Eject Card
Never image or laminate over magnetic stripes or Smart
Card Contacts. Encoding and/or Smart Card Programming
Errors can result. Those with lamination capabilities can
order patches that leave these areas uncovered.

Command Linking The “M” and “m” Commands serve as Command

Linking Operators. A string of linked commands may
execute one or multiple times. The “[” character serves as
the delimiter for Linked Commands in the associated
syntax.
For the complete “M” Command Syntax, and an
example, see M/m in the Command Reference.

1-20
 Sample Card Figure 5-6 shows a printed card along with the
commands used.

Commands Descriptions
Figure 1-6 +RIB Ribbon Type, Monochrome
Sample Monochrome +C 4
F
Thermal Intensity
Clear Mono. Buffer
Card B 512 600 4 0 2 4 100 1 TEST
T 512 75 4 0 0 35 1 Company Name, Incorporated
Write Bar Code
Write Text
T 200 200 0 1 0 50 1 FIRST NAME Write Text
T 200 300 0 1 0 50 1 LAST NAME Write Text
T 200 400 0 1 0 50 1 ACCOUNT NUMBER Write Text
T 65 320 7 1 0 50 0 Reverse text Write Text
L 15 80 970 4 1 Write Line
I Print Monochrome

1-21
Parallel Port Signals P205, P210, P310 and P420 Printers have a Serial Port
Option. Serial equipped printers communicate with the
host over an RS-232C interface using ACK/NAK flow
control. Parallel Ports are standard. The other card printer
models have no Serial Port Option.
Card printers with Parallel Ports communicate with the
host using the following signal lines:

DATA (0~7) Eight bits of parallel data.

STROBE (Pin 1) A host signal that indicates stable data.
ACK/ (Pin 10) A printer signal that indicates data received. The
host drops the STROBE signal in response.
BUSY (Pin 11) A printer signal that indicates an inability to accept
commands due to ongoing processing. In printers
with more than one processor, a BUSY response
from one processor does not imply a BUSY at the
another processor.
READY (Pin 13) A printer signal that indicates its availability to re-
ceive Host Commands.
PAPER ERROR (Pin 12)
Card printers report errors to the host by encoding
the PAPER ERROR and ERROR lines (see Error
Line Coding below).
ERROR/ (Pin 15) Card printers report errors to the host by encoding
the PAPER ERROR and ERROR lines (see Error
Line Coding below).
INIT (Pin 14) Not used.

Error Line Coding

Paper Error Error Description

0 1 No Error
0 0 Syntax Error
1 1 Ribbon End/Empty Feeder
1 0 Mechanical Error

1-22
 COMMAND REFERENCE

This section contains individual command descriptions

for data downloads, printing, lamination, magnetic
encodes, and card movement control. An included
command list groups commands by function and shows
the associated applicable printer models.

Figure 2-1
Command Entry

Command Initiator—Press <Esc> to

Esc
indicate Command String follows.

Space
Command String Delimiter—Use Spaces
<Sp> between Commands and Parameters.
Send Key—Press <Rtn> to send Command
Enter String to Printer.
# Placed after and followed by number (n)
(<Esc>#<sp>n<Sp>) directs Command
to Station n.
P1~Pn Indicates Required Parameter(s) in String
{P1~Pn} Indicates Optional Parameter(s) in String
data Indicates Data Position in String

2-1
Command List
COMMAND

DESCRIPTION

Page
Setup Commands

+BS Set Black Speed

+C Adjusts Monochrome Intensity 2-17
+$C Adjust Color Contrast 2-18
+CCLN Set Cleaning Parameters 2-21
+CDOTS Image Print Quality Compensation Factor 2-27
+CH Adjust Hologram Intensity 2-28
CRB Set Card Count Warning Threshold 2-34
+CT Set Cooling Time 2-36
+CV Adjust Clear Varnish Intensity 2-37
+EC End of Print 2-49
!FF Set Ribbon Color Sequence 2-51
+$L Adjust Specified Color Intensity 2-74
+LC Set Lamination Counter
+LT Set Lamination Roller Temperature 2-78
+LTI Set Lamination Time 2-80
MCL Move Contactless 2-85
+O Print Offset X-axis 2-100
+OCL Offset Contactless 2-101
+OFP Adjust X-Axis Laminator Patch Offset 2-102
+OLP Offset Overlaminate Patch 2-104
+OP Adjust Laminator Patch X and Y Offset 2-106
+OS Smart Card X-axis Offset 2-107
+OY Print Offset Y-axis 2-110
!R Print Head Resistance 2-117
+RB Set Reject Box Usage 2-120
+RIB Set Ribbon Type 2-124
+RIBBON Set Ribbon Type 2-127
+RO Set X-Axis Offset, Relative 2-130
+ROY Set Y-Axis Offset, Relative 2-131
+SB Configure Laminator Stand-By Mode 2-136
+SIDE Set Lamination Mode 2-142
SXY Center Image Maps
+V Black Print Speed 2-151
A Print Test Card 2-6
IM Print Color Test Card 2-60

2-2
 COMMAND
DESCRIPTION

Page
Tests

IMB Print Gray Test Card 2-61

!SA Self Adjust 2-132
ISERIE i-Series Printer Test 2-66
Initialize Commands

ATM Set Card Feeding Mode 2-9

+B Serial Interface Rate 2-12
+DLAMI Set Lamination Configuration 2-41
FS Set Magnetic Encoder Track Write Encode Parameters 2-53
F/vF Clear Monochrome Image Buffers 2-54
$LD Initialize a Color Buffer to a Specified Intensity Level 2-76
R Reset 2-116
RCBC Reset Rejected Card Box Counter 2-122
SF Synchronize Film (Overlaminate) 2-140
+TC Set Laminator Head Temperature 2-145
TF Film Type 2-146
+VL Set Lamination Speed 2-152
+X Change Command Initiation Character 2-159
Printer Query Commands

!AO Check Patch Sensors 2-7

!AT Check Heat Offset 2-8
!CCLN Check Cleaning Parameters 2-20
CHECK Return Checksum 2-29
%CLN Check Due-for-Cleaning Parameters 2-32
!CC Get Number of Cards Printed 2-19
!CT Check Cooling Time 2-35
E Retransmit Last Response 2-46
%F Return Font Names
!L Check Status: P720 Laminator Sensor Levels 2-68
!L Check Status of Printer Sensor 2-68
!LC Check Lamination Counter 2-75
!LT Check Lamination Temperatures 2-77
!LTI Check Lamination Time 2-79
%N Return Number of Loaded Fonts
!NL Get Printer Impression and Error Counter 2-98
!O Get State of Cover Sensor
!O Check Card Offset 2-99
!OFP Check X-Axis Patch Offset 2-102
!OP Check Patch Offsets 2-105
&P Check Card Present - Encoder 2-112

2-3
 COMMAND

DESCRIPTION

Page
Check Ribbon Type
!RIBBON 2-125
Check Patches Remaining
!RLEVEL
!SB Check Stand-By Mode Settings 2-135
%SERIE Get Printer Serial Number 2-139
%HEAD Get Print Head Serial Number 2-57
!SERIE Get Laminator Serial Number 2-138
!SIDE Check Laminator Mode 2-141
V Check Printer Type/Version 2-149
!V Return Operational Parameter 2-150
!W Move Card Backward 8 cm 2-153
!X Check Command Initiator 2-158
Image Data Download Commands

B/vB Write Bar Code 2-14

C/vC Write Box (Monochrome) 2-38
D/vD Draw Diagonal Line (Monochrome) 2-45
G/vG Initialize Monochrome Graphic (B/W) 2-56
GS Download Color Graphic 2-55
$L Draw a Horizontal Line/Rectangle in a Color Buffer 2-71
L/vL Draw Horizontal Line (Monochrome/Overlay) 2-81
O/vO Load Single Line Bitmap (Monochrome) 2-108
PS Download Color Image Buffer 2-114
P/vP Draw Single Dot (Monochrome/Overlay) 2-115
T/vT Draw Text (Monochrome/overlay) 2-147
Z/vZ Load Bitmap (Monochrome) 2-161
Card Positioning Commands

!M Move Print Head Up 2-82

MB Return Card to Card Feeder 2-83
MC Clear Media Path 2-84
MCL Move Contactless 2-85
ME Exit Card to Output Hopper 2-86
MF Flip Card 2-87
MI Move Card to Print Ready Position 2-88
MIB Move Card Back to Print Ready Position 2-89
MM Move Card Through Printer 2-90
MO Move Card to Output Hopper 2-92
MR Check for CArd Presence 2-93
MRB Move Card to Reject Box 2-94
MS Move Card to Smart Card Programmer 2-96
!P Move Card Forward 8 cm 2-111
SF Synchronize Film (Overlaminate) 2-140
&T Magnetic Encoder Card Eject 2-144

2-4
 COMMAND
DESCRIPTION

Page
Print Commands

I Print Monochrome Panel 2-58

IH Print Hologram Overlay 2-59
IS Print Card Panel 2-62
IV Print Clear Varnish 2-151
J Print Multiple Monochrome Cards 2-67
!Z Re-Synchronize Card 2-160
Magnetic Stripe Encoder Commands

&B Load Magnetic Encoder Track Write Buffer 2-11

&C Set Coercivity 2-16
&CDER Set Magnetic Encoder Track Read Encode Parameters 2-24
&CDEW Set Magnetic Encoder Track Write Encode Parameters 2-25
&D Change Track Density 2-40
&E Write Single Track 2-47
&E* Write Track Buffers 2-48
$F Clear Color Image Buffers 2-50
$FP Clear Specified Bit Maps 2-52
&L Read Single Track 2-73
&N Select Magnetic Encoding Standard 2-97
&R Reset Magnetic Encoder 2-118
&SVM Disable/Enable Magnetic Encoding Verifications 2-143
&W Change Encoding Direction 2-154
Smart Card Commands

+ISC Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate 2-64

+ISC2 Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate (Advanced) 2-65
>R Read Data From Smart Card Serial Interface 2-119
>RB Read Data From Smart Card Serial Interface in ASCII hex Form 2-121
>W Write Data From Smart Card Serial Port 2-155
>WB Write Data From Smart Card Serial Port in ASCII hex Form 2-156
Miscellaneous Commands

. Clear Error Status Lines 2-126

CLEAN Start Cleaning Card Sequence 2-30
CLNCARD Set Cleaning Card Parameters 2-33
!D Move Print Head Down 2-39
M/m Multiple Command 2-91

2-5
A - Print Test Card

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Prints a Standard Test Card with Printer Parameters,

Version Number, and Test Pattern. Systems with
Laminators print two cards—one for the Printer the other
for the Laminator (if connected).

Syntax <Esc>A{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Test Card

Where:
None =
Standard Test Card(s)
1 = Printer Test Card
2 = Magnetic Encoder Test Card
3 = Lamination Test Card

Figure 2-2
Standard
Monochrome
Test Cards

Figure 2-3
Standard
Color Test Cards

Figure 2-4
Printer and
Laminator
Card Sides

2-6
!AO - Check Patch Sensors

Models Supported P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns values for selected laminator patch position

sensor

Syntax <Esc>#-1-!AO p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Card Side

Where:
0 = Upper laminator patch position sensors
1 = Lower laminator patch position sensors

p2 = laminator patch position sensor selection

Where:
None = Default settings
0 = X-Axis Sensor
1 = Y-Axis Sensor

2-7
!AT - Check Heat Offset

Models Supported P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns any variation from the Factory Set Laminator

Roller Heat. For example, for a Factory Setting of 180°
and a Roller Heat of 190°, the !AT Command returns a
+10.

Syntax <Esc>#-1-!AT p1

Parameters p1 = Roller Selection

Where:
0 = Top Heat Roller
1 = Bottom Heat Roller

2-8
ATM - Set Card Feeding Mode

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P330i, P430i

Description Select card feeding mode and control how printer reacts
to an out-of-card condition.

Syntax <Esc>ATM p1

Parameters p1 = Feed Mode as follows:

0 = Normal mode (default). This mode is intended for

use with printers equipped with a card feeder hopper.
When the hopper is empty, the printer will signal that it
is out of cards and wait for the user to add more. The
printer will not enter a ready state (and resume printing)
until the error state is cleared by pressing the <select>
button.
1 = ATM Mode (default). This mode is intended for use
with printers equipped with a front single-card feeding
slot. In this mode, the printer will signal that it is out of
cards as mode 0 does, but will automatically clear this
error status when a card is fed in; the user does not have
to press <select> to clear the error.

ATM mode, when enabled, is most effective when used in

conjunction with an enabled card feed sensor (controlled
by the FS command).

2-9
&B - Load Magnetic Encoder Track Write Buffer

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Load data into the write buffer for a single selected track
of encoding

Syntax <Esc>&B p1 data

Parameters p1 = Track Number and data format

Where:
1 = Track 1 ASCII data
2 = Track 2 ASCII data
3 = Track 3 ASCII data
11= Track 1 hexadecimal data*
12= Track 2 hexadecimal data*
13= Track 3 hexadecimal data*
data =
Each track has unique character and length
limitations due to formatting, and each has its own
data buffer. When <p1> = 1..3, <data> should be
expressed as a simple string of ASCII characters. If
<p1> = 11..13, <data> should be expressed as a
variable length sequence of 2-digit ASCII
hexadecimal numbers.

In hex mode, only digits 0..9 and uppercase alpha

characters A..F are allowed. No error checking is
performed on the <data> field; the data loaded into
the track write buffer will be indeterminate if the
<data> string contains invalid characters. The
printer automatically inserts the required ISO Control
Characters (start and stop sentinel, longitudinal
redundancy check character, etc.) into the data.

The actual data encoded onto the card is converted from

ASCII to an ISO track-specified encoding format. See Ap-
pendix C for default ANSI/ISO data formats and custom
data encoding commands.

2-10
&B - Load Mag Encoder Track Write Buffer (Continued)

Track Characters Field Length

(Default ANSI/ISO) Separator
<Sp> $ ( ) - . /
1 0 through 9 ^ 76
A through Z (All Caps)
2 0 through 9 = 37
3 0 through 9 = 104
11* Hexadecimal N/A *
12* Hexadecimal N/A *
13* Hexadecimal N/A *
* - See Appendix C for Extended Encoder Command Set and
Custom Track Data and Control Parameters.

2-11
+B - Serial Interface Rate

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a test environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and com-
municating with the printer. The printer CPU board has as-
sociated connectors.

Models Supported P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P420c, P420i

Description This command changes the bit rate (Baud) of printers

with RS232 serial interfaces. RFID-equipped models may
not offer the RS232 option.
NOTE: Baud setting remains in effect until power is
cycled, after which printer returns to default.

Syntax <Esc>+B p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Serial Interface baud rate options

Where:
0 = 9600 (Default)
1 = 19200
2 = 38400
3 = 57600

p2 = Command reply time

Where:
None = ACK after Baud switch
1 = ACK before Baud switch

2-12
+BS - Set Black Synchro

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the accuracy of card positioning, when set to high

quality, the printer print positioning is more accurate.

Syntax <Esc>+BS p1

Parameters p1 = Speed

Where:
0 = High speed printing
1 = High quality printing

2-13
B/vB - Write Bar Code

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command downloads standard bar codes. See

Appendix A for character maps and unique parameter
settings for each bar code type. The B command writes to
the monochrome buffer, while the vB command writes to
the varnish buffer.

Syntax <Esc>B p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 data

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) Start Position, in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) start position, in dots
p3 = Rotation:
Where:
Value Description Origin
0 No rotation Lower Left
1 90 degrees Lower Left
2 180 degrees Lower Left
3 270 degrees Lower Left
4 No rotation Centered
5 90 degrees Centered
6 180 degrees Centered
7 270 degrees Centered

Figure 2-5
Bar Code Rotation
Samples

p4 = Bar Code selection - See Appendix A

Where:
0 = Code 39 (3 of 9—Alphanumeric)
1 = 2/5 Interleaved (Numeric, Even No Count
2 = 2/5 Industrial (Numeric) no Check Digit
3 = EAN8 (Numeric, 12 digits encoded)
4 = EAN13 (Numeric, 12 digits encoded)
5 = UPC - A (Numeric, 12 digits encoded)
6 = Reserved for MONARCH
7 = Code 128 C w/o Check Digits* (Numeric
only, Even Number Printed)
8 = Code 128 B w/o Check Digits*
(Alphanumeric)
s

2-14
B/vB - Write Bar Code (Continued)

107 = Code 128 C w/Check Digits*

(Numeric only, Even Number printed)
108 = Code 128 B w/Check Digits*
(Alphanumeric)

* Not supported in some Monochrome Printerp5 = Bar

Width Ratio
Where:

Value Narrow Bar Wide Bar Ratio

0 1 dot 2 dots 2:1
1 1 dot 3 dots 3:1
2 2 dots 5 dots 2.5:1 or 2:5

NOTE: Some bar code types have a selectable bar code

width ratio. See Appendix A for supported ratio and
settings.

p6 = Bar Code Bar Width Multiplier. Range 3~9 for all

Zebra card bar codes except UPC-A, EAN-8 and
EAN-13 which have a range of 4~7. For a selected
bar width ratio of 2:5, the range is 2~4.

Note: Each bar code type has a specified standard

for the width range of a narrow bar width. See
Appendix A for optimal values.
p7 = Bar Code Height in dots

Note: Each Bar Code Type has an industry

specified minimum height standard. See Appendix
A for optimal values.
p8 = Print Text version of Bar Code under Bar Code

Where:
1 = yes
0 = no.
data =
Represents a fixed data field. Each bar code type
has a differing data field length and allowable
character requirements. See Appendix A.
A printer error occurs when a bar code extends beyond the
addressable area of the image buffer. See Appendix A for
field size calculations for total bar code length and height.

2-15
&C - Set Coercivity

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command sets the encoder for high- or

low-coercivity magnetic stripe recording.

Syntax <Esc>&C p1

Parameters p1 = Coercivity

Where:
0 = Low
1 = High

2-16
+C - Adjusts Monochrome Intensity

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the monochrome ribbon transfer intensity (heat)

level. Varying the intensity level affects the dot gain, or
the size of the dot and the density (opaqueness) of the
transferred material. note that higher values raise the
transfer heat.

Syntax <Esc>+C p1

Parameters p1 = Intensity

Where:
5 = Printer default
0~10 = range

2-17
+$C - Adjust Color Contrast

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i,
P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the range from the maximum to minimum color

intensity (heat) level applied to a selected dye sublimation
ribbon panel

Syntax <Esc>+$C p1 p2

Parameters p1 = 4 : Set contrast for all colors (0 - 3)

Where:
0 = Yellow (Y)
1 = Magenta (M)
2 = Cyan ©)
3 = Dye Sublimation Black (Kdye)
p2 = Contrast:

Where:
5 = Printer default
0~10 = p2 range

2-18
!CC - Get Number of Cards Printed

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420i, P430i,
P520i

Description Every time the printer finishes printing an entire card, it

increments its cards printed counter. This counter is
saved in non-volatile memory. This command will
return the total number of cards that have been printed
since the printer entered service. The value is reported
to the host as an ASCII decimal number.

Syntax <Esc>!CC

Parameters None

2-19
!CCLN - Check Cleaning Parameters

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns Card Count and Maximum Heat Values set by

the +CCLN Command

Syntax <Esc>#-1-!CCLN

Parameters None

2-20
+CCLN - Set Cleaning Parameters

Models Supported P720c

Description Establishes lamination count and maximum temperature

value for laminator cleanings

Syntax <Esc>#-1-+CCLN p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Number of cards laminated

p2 = Temperature below which cleaning is allowed

Default +CCLN 1000 60

2-21
%CDER - Get Magnetic Encoder Read Settings

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns the magnetic encoder read settings that are presently in
effect, as set by the &CDER command. The string returned is
formatted like this:

“TRACK 1”* “TRACK 2”# “TRACK 3”*

where * and # are substituted with the decode settings
that take the same form as those used by the &CDER
command. the example below shows the string that
would be returned if tracks 1 and 3 were set to the default
ISO decode settings, and the settings for track 2 had been
changed by executing the command: &CDER 2 V 6 :
“TRACK 1”A “TRACK 2”V 6 “TRACK 3”C

Syntax <Esc>%CDER

Parameters None

2-22
&CDER - Set Magnetic Encoder Track Read En-
code Parameters

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. The card
printer cannot respond to this command, (other than flag-
ging an error), through a parallel interface. In a test envi-
ronment, card printers can operate with both interfaces
attached and communicating with the printer. The printer
CPU board has associated connectors.

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Set the encoder to read a selected data format

Syntax <Esc>&CDER p1 p2
<Esc>&CDER p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Track Select: (values 1, 2, 3, or 0 (zero)

Where:
0 = Reset of ALL tracks to ISO default
configuration parameters

p2 = Custom Data Select, as follows:

Value Description - ISO Format Data

0 Resets ALL tracks to ISO default configuration
parameters.
Default Format Select
Q ISO Track 1 Data Format to Track 1
R ISO Track 2 Data Format to Track 2
S ISO Track 3 Data Format to Track 3
Custom ISO Track Format Location
qX Track 1 with ISO Track “X” Format
rX Track 2 with ISO Track “X” Format
sX Track 3 with ISO Track “X” Format
X = 1, 2, or 3 as the ISO default track format applied to the
selected track (e.g., Q=q1, R=r2, and S=s3.

2-23
&CDER - Set Magnetic Encoder Track Read Encode Pa-
rameters (Continued)

p2 = Custom Data Select, as follows:

Value Description - Raw Data Format

Read Forward - “Raw” Data
U Track 1
U_ Track 1 read data with NULs in data string
V Track 2
V_ Track 2 read data with NULs in data string
W Track 3
W_ Track 3 read data with NULs in data string
Read Reverse - “Raw” Data
u Track 1
u_ Track 1 read data with NULs in data string
v Track 2
v_ Track 2 read data with NULs in data string
w Track 3
w_ Track 3 read data with NULs in data string

p3 = Data Block Size Select in Bits

Where:
Acceptable values = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

The encoder cannot decode and convert raw data into

ASCII data. The encoder only reports data read after the
process has completed.

2-24
&CDEW - Set Magnetic Encoder Track Write En-
code Parameters

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. The card
printer cannot respond to this command (other than flag-
ging an error) through a parallel interface. In a test environ-
ment, card printers can operate with both interfaces
attached and communicating with the printer. The printer
CPU board has associated connectors.

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Configure the write data to encode a single, selected

track of data

Syntax <Esc>&CDEW p1 p2
<Esc>&CDEW p1 p2 p3

Parameters p1 = Track Select: (values 1, 2, 3 or 0 (zero)

Where:
0 = Reset of ALL tracks to ISO default
configuration parameters

p2 = Data Format Select, as follows:

Value Description - ISO Format Data

0 Reset ALL tracks to ISO default configuration
parameters.
Default Format Select
A ISO Track 1 Data Format to Track 1
B ISO Track 2 Data Format to Track 2
C ISO Track 3 Data Format to Track 3
Custom ISO Track Format Select
aX Track 1 with ISO Track “X” Format
bX Track 2 with ISO Track “X” Format
cX Track 3 with ISO Track “X” Format
X = ISO default track format applied to the selected track
(e.g., A=a1, B=b2, and C=c3.

2-25
&CDEW - Write Custom Track Data (Continued)

p2 = Custom Data Select, as follows:

Value Description - Raw Data Format

Read Forward - “Raw” Data
E Track 1
E_ Track 1 write data with NULs in data string
F Track 2
F_ Track 2 write data with NULs in data string
G Track 3
G_ Track 3 write data with NULs in data string

p3 = Data Block Size Select in Bits

Where:
Acceptable values = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

The encoder cannot encode and convert ASCII data into

raw data. The encoder only reports that a data write process
has completed.

2-26
+CDOTS - Image Print Quality Compensation
Factor

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Card design elements that run the length of a card side
can sometimes appear with density variations. An ID
badge containing a portrait and a solid, card length, bar
at a side can exhibit these variations.
Any changes should occur in small increments followed by
card prints using trial-and-error as a basis. Zebra Technical
Support guidance is recommended.

Syntax <Esc>CDOTS p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Compensation Factor (0 ~ 50)

Where:
0 = No change
1 ~ 50 = Compensation factor
p2 = 1 = Return current compensation factor

2-27
+CH - Adjust Hologram Intensity

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the hologram material transfer intensity (heat) level.

Varying the intensity level affects the dot gain or size of
the dot and the density (opaqueness) of the transferred
material.

Syntax <Esc>+CH p1

Parameters p1 = Intensity

Where:
5 = Printer default
0~10= range

2-28
CHECK - Return Checksum

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns firmware checksum value

Syntax <Esc>CHECK

2-29
CLEAN - Set Cleaning Card Sequence

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command requires the prior removal of any ribbon

and all cards except for a single Cleaning Card. The
following occurs:
• Raise Print Head
• Feed a card to a position under Print Head
• Lower Print Head
• Move card back and forth the number of times speci-
fied by CLNCARD Command
• Raise Print Head
• Exit card

Non P720 Syntax <Esc>CLEAN

Non P720 Parameters None

P720 Syntax <Esc>CLEAN p1

P720 Parameters p1 = Station Cleaned

Where:
1 = Printer
2 = Magnetic Encoder Head
3 = Printer and Laminator (this command will be
ignored)
4 = Laminator (this command will be ignored)

2-30
!CLEAN - Clean the Laminator

Models Supported P720c

Description This command will clean the laminator on the P720c

printer

Parameters None

Syntax <Esc>+CLEAN

C-31
%CLN - Check Due-for-Cleaning Parameters

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Reports current values for the printing, cleaning and

cleaning pass counters

Syntax (sent) <Esc>%CLN

Syntax (received) Cpt imp:p1 next clean Prn:p2 nb pass:p3

Where:
p1 = Total number of Head-down Image Passes
made by printer since new (note that each
ribbon panel used counts as a pass)

p2 = Current setting for image passes that trigger a

cleaning alert (default = 00005000—see
CLNCARD Command)

p3 = Current setting for passes performed using

Cleaning Card (default = 5—see
CLNCARD Command)

Example Cpt imp:00025000 next clean Prn:00005000 nb pass:5

2-32
CLNCARD - Set Cleaning Parameters

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Allows settings for a Time-to-Clean Alert and the cycling

of cleaning card in Card Path

Syntax <Esc>#-1-CLNCARD p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Ribbon Panel Count to Cleaning Notification

(Default = 5000)

p2 = Number of Cleaning Card Passes Through Printer

(Default = 5)

2-33
CRB - Set Reject Box Card Count Warning Thresh-
old

Models Supported P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description P420, P520, and P720 Printers have a counter that keeps
track of the number of cards sent to the Rejected Card
Box. This command allows selection of a card count that
produces the REJECTED BOX FULL message on the
LCD. Note that, after removing the cards, users press the
Panel Button. For this command, release of the Panel
Button resets the counter. The box can safely hold twenty
30-mil cards, and P420, P520, and P720 Printers ship
with this setting. Users of less thick cards may wish to
increase the count.

Syntax <Esc>CRB p1

Parameters p1 = Reject Box card count warning threshold

Where:
10 = Default

2-34
!CT - Check Cooling Time

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns the Transition Time Setting for cards passing

between the Lamination Rollers and the Output Hopper

Syntax <Esc># 1 !CT{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Default, if p1 is other than 0

2-35
+CT - Set Cooling Time

Models Supported P720c

Description Adjusts the transition time for cards passing between the
lamination rollers and the output hopper

Syntax <Esc># 1 +CT p1

Parameters p1 = Cooling time in seconds

Where:
Default = 0

2-36
+CV - Adjust Clear Varnish Intensity

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the clear veneer ribbon transfer intensity (heat)

level. varying the intensity level affects the density
(amount) of the transferred material.

Syntax <Esc>+CV p1

Parameters p1 = Intensity

Where:
5 = Default
0~10 = Range

2-37
C/vC - Write Box (Monochrome)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Writes a hollow-box rectangle graphic to the

monochrome image buffer by defining the height, width,
line thickness (width) and origin. The C command writes
to the buffer used for resin printing. The vC command
writes to the buffer used for varnish printing.

Syntax <Esc>C p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6
<Esc>vC p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) start position in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) start position in dots
p3 = Horizontal (X-axis) width of graphic line in dots (i.e.
horizontal lines)
p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) height of graphic line in dots
p5 = Thickness/width of diagonal graphic line in dots
p6 = Graphic Mode

Where:
0 = Reverse Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Reverse Bit Map Image
1 = Standard Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Bit Map Image
2 = Merge Bit Map—Overwrite Background Bit
Map Image with Printable Dot
Locations,
leaving Non-printing Dot
Locations alone

Figure 2-1 Lines

0
Hollow Box
Image Positioning D
o
t
s p5

Hollow Box
Image Origin

2-38
!D - Move Print Head Down

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves the Print Head assembly down to the card (and
platen roller)

Syntax <Esc>!D

Parameters None

2-39
&D - Change Track Density

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a test environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and com-
municating with the printer. The printer CPU board has as-
sociated connectors.

Models Supported P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Changes the data encoding and decoding density of an

individual track

Syntax <Esc>&D p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Track Select, as follows:

Where:
1 = Tracks 1 and 3
2 = Track 2
3 = Tracks 1 and 3

p2 = Density Select, as follows:

Where:
75 = 75 bpi
210 = 210 bpi

2-40
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration

Models Supported P520c, P520i

Description Enables or disables print station varnish or laminator

station lamination. The associated application occurs
with issuance of an IV command, or in some instances,
an I command (In the following examples, look for the
+DLAMI that precedes an I or IV)
NOTE 1: This command applies to printer and,
therefore, requires no <Esc>#<Sp>1 preface.

Syntax <Esc>+DLAMI p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Print station varnish

Where:
0 = Disable
1 = Enable
p2 = Laminator
.000n

Where:
0 = Disable
1 = Enable
2 = Enable and flip to laminate (applies to
YMCKO and YMCK ribbons to laminate the
color side after imaging Kresin on the
monochrome side)

Examples Using Print YMCK on both sides then laminate first side:
YMCKO Ribbon
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 0 Disable both varnish & lamination
IS 0 Print Y (side 2)
IS 1 Print M (side 2)
IS 2 Print C (side 2)
I Print K (side 2)
IV Flip card, laminate, eject (no varnish)

2-41
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Contin-
ued)
On first side, print YMCK then laminate. On second
side, print YMCKO panels (no laminate):
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 0 Print Y (side 2)
IS 1 Print M (side 2)
IS 2 Print C (side 2)
I Print K (side 2)
IV Print O (side 2), flip, laminate, & eject

Print all ribbon panels on both sides without lamination:

+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 Print O (side 1) & return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 0 Print Y (side 2)
IS 1 Print M (side 2)
IS 2 Print C (side 2)
I Print K (side 2)
IV Print O (side 2) & eject)

Examples Using On first side, print YMCK panels then laminate. On

YMCKOK Ribbon second side, print last K panel then laminate:

+RIB 10 YMCKOK ribbon in use

+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card
+DLAMI 0 0 Laminate enabled
I 20 Print K (side 2)
MO Flip Card, Laminate, & Eject

2-42
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Contin-
ued)
On first side, print YMCK panels then laminate. On
second side, print just last K panel:
+RIB 10 YMCKOK ribbon in use
+DLAMI 1 0 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 0 Varnish enabled
I 20 Print K (side 2) & return
MO Flip card, laminate, & eject
On first side, print YMCKO panels (no lamination). On
second side, print just last K panel (No lamination):
+RIB 10 YMCKOK ribbon in use
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 0 Print Y (side 1)
IS 1 Print M (side 1)
IS 2 Print C (side 1)
I Print K (side 1)
IV 10 Print O & return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
I 20 Print K (side 2) & return
MO Eject card

Examples Using Print Kdye and laminate Kdye on side two:

KdyeO Ribbon
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 3 Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 0 Disable both varnish & laminate
IS 3 Print K (side 2)
IV Flip card, laminate, & eject

2-43
+DLAMI - Set Lamination Configuration (Contin-
ued)
On first side, print K and laminate. On second side, print
K and varnish:
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
IS 3 Print K (side 1)
IV 10 No varnish, just a return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 3 Print K (side 2)
IV Print O, flip card, & laminate
Print KdyeO on both sides without lamination:
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 3 Print K (side 1)
IV 10 Print O (side 2) & return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
IS 3 Print K (side 2)
IV Print O (side 2) & eject

Examples Using Print K and laminate side one:

Monochrome Ribbon
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1 default)
I 10 Place at print ready
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 0 Disable both varnish & laminate
I Print K, flip card, laminate eject
On first side, print K and laminate. On second side just
print K:
+DLAMI 0 1 Laminate enabled (side-1default)
I 10 Print K (side 1), & return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 1 Varnish enabled
I Print K, flip card, & eject
Print K on both sides without lamination:
+DLAMI 1 0 Varnish enabled
I 10 Print K & return
MF Flip Card & return
+DLAMI 0 0 Disable both varnish & laminate
I Print K & eject card

2-44
D/vD - Draw Diagonal Line (Monochrome/Overlay)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Write a monochrome diagonal line graphic by defining

the total height, total width, line thickness (width) and
position in the Monochrome Image Buffer. The “D”
Command writes to the Resin buffer, and the “vD”
command writes to the Varnish buffer. The actual image
placed is a rectangle.

Syntax <Esc>D p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) Start Position, in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) Start Position, in dots
p3 = Horizontal (X-axis) Width of Graphic, in dots
p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) Height of Graphic, in dots
p5 = Thickness/width of the Line, in dots
p6 = Rotation & Origin
Where:
Value Description Origin
1 90 degrees Lower Left
2 180 degrees Lower Left

p7 = Graphic Mode:
Where:
0 = Reverse Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Reverse Bit Map Image
1 = Standard Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Bit Map Image
2 = Merge Bit Map—Overwrite Background Bit
Map Image with Printable Dot Locations,
leaving Non-printing Dot Locations alone

Diagonal Line
Figure 2-2 Image Origin
Lines (x)
Diagonal Line Values
0 P1

P2
D
o
t P5
s P4 P6-2
(y)
P3 P6-1

2-45
E - Retransmit Last Response

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a Test Environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and com-
municating with the printer. The Printer CPU Board has as-
sociated connectors.

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

ModelsDescription
Supported This command directs the printer to repeat the last Status
Message.

Syntax <Esc>E{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Port selection/mode

Where:
1 = Parallel Port in Reverse Serial mode (allows
host to pull serialized data from printer over
the Parallel Port—please contact Technical
Support for related information).
2= Use USB Port. Update Printer Output Buffer
with response to commands received.

2-46
&E - Write Single Track

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Encode, write and read (verify) a single track of data.

The printer feeds a card (if a card is not loaded) and
magnetically writes data to the selected ISO Track. The
card automatically read-verifies the encoded data. The
card then moves to the print-ready position.

Syntax <Esc>&En data

<Esc>&e n data

Parameters p1 = Encoding Track Number (1~3)

data = ISO track
n = track #

The <data> field is optional; if it is omitted, the data last

loaded into the mag encoder write buffer for track
<p1> will be written to the specified track. If a <data>
field is specified, it overwrites any previous data in the
track write buffer; the new data provided is used in the
subsequent track write operation. The format of the
<data> parameter is an ASCII string, following the
same conventions as those that apply to the <data>
field for the &B (Load Mag Encoder Track Write Buffer)
command.

The actual data encoded onto the card is converted from

ASCII to the encoding format previously specified for the
associated ISO card track. See Appendix C for default
ANSI/ISO data formats and custom encoding commands.

2-47
&E* - Write Track Buffers

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Encodes, Writes, and Reads (verifies) for all tracks of data
stored in Printer Memory.
The printer positions a card at the Encoder Station and
magnetically writes data (previously entered in memory)
to the pre-selected ISO track(s). If no card is present in
the Card Path, a card is sent from the Card Feeder.
Following the Encoder Write Operation, the card returns
to the Write-Ready Position, and a read-verification of
Encoded Card Data follows. The card then travels to the
Print-Ready Position, and an Encoder Data Buffer Clear
occurs in preparation for the next operation.

Syntax <Esc>&E*

Parameters None

2-48
+EC - End of Print

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Specifies a point, beyond which, no card printing occurs.

Print stations have storage for 1030 lines of imaging,
which exceeds the x-axis image area on the cards.
The parameter for end of print causes the print head to
raise at the end-of-card point, not the end of data. If left
down beyond the end of card, the print head can shear
the ribbon as the print head abruptly drops below the
surface of the card. Note that higher values of p1 result in
shortened line counts.
Note that the print direction of P205/P210 engines is the
opposite of other engines. In all engines, EC offsets
shorten the bitmap at the end of the printed area.
Therefore, EC increases shorten the left side of
P205/P210 images and the right side of other printer
images.

Start of Start of
Printing Printing
P210 P310

X and EC X and EC
Origin Origin

Syntax <Esc>+EC p1

Parameters p1 = line count for end-of-print

Where:
10 = default (standard)
0~48 = range

Example The following example sets the End of Print to 10 (the

default value).

<Esc>+EC 10

2-49
$F - Clear Color Image Buffers

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Clears the yellow, cyan, and magenta color panel image
buffers to the default (all pixels off) state.

Syntax <Esc>$F

Parameters None

2-50
!FF - Set Ribbon Color Sequence

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Resets and moves the ribbon to a selected panel

The printer first aligns on the Cyan (and Black) Panels
and then counts ribbon panel positions from the Yellow
“0" Panel.

Syntax <Esc>!FF p1

Parameters p1 = Panel detection number

The P330i and P430i printers will respond to !FF 0 only.

Any other parameter will cause the ribbon to continuously
feed.
Where:
p1 = 0 Moves ribbon to Sync Position, as follows:

Ribbon Sync Position

YMC Yellow Panel
YMCKresin Yellow Panel
YMCKresinO Yellow Panel
YMCKresinOKresin Yellow Panel
KdyeO Mid Overlay Varnish
KresinO Mid Overlay Varnish

p1 = 1 Moves ribbon to next Transparent Panel, unless

already there. For P210, moves ribbon to next
panel.
p1 = 2 Moves ribbon to next Non-transparent Panel,
unless already there. For P210, moves ribbon to
next panel.
p1 = 3 Moves ribbon to beginning of Black (for
YMCKresinO ribbons only)

2-51
$FP - Clear Specified Bit-Maps

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i,
P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Allows Memory Clears of areas reserved for specified

colors

Syntax <Esc>$FP p1

Parameters p1 = Buffer Area Cleared

Where:
0 = Yellow
1 = Magenta
2 = Cyan
3 = Dye Black (Using KdyeO Ribbon)

2-52
FS - Control Use of Card Feed Sensor

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description The printer provides a sensor located near the card feed
slot that can detect when a card has been inserted into
the slot by the user. When the card feed sensor is
enabled (and the ‘ATM’ feature is enabled - see ATM
command) the printer can accept a card fed by the user
without requiring the user to actually start a print job on
the host or press a button on the printer - the printer
accepts a card for printing in much the same way that a
ATM machine accepts a card, hence, “ATM mode”.
In some environments, it may be preferable to have the
printer act like earlier single card models, where the
printer card feed mechanism is activated when a print
job is started, rather than the mere presence of a card in
the card feed slot. This command, in conjunction with
the “ATM” command, controls how the printer handles
card feeding..

Syntax <Esc>FS P1

Parameters P1 = Card feed sensor monitor

0: Sensor disabled. User must start a print job

before the printer will accept a card.
1: Sensor enabled. Printer will automatically feed a
card presented at the card feed slot into the print
mechanism (assuming that a card has not already
been fed in).

2-53
F/vF - Clear Monochrome Image Buffers

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Clears Monochrome Image Buffers of bit-maps and

printable data (lines, text, bar codes, etc.)

Syntax <Esc>F

Parameters None

2-54
GS - Download Color Graphic

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i,

P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Initializes, downloads, and positions individual

color-separated data (C,M,Y, or K) for a partial image.
Defines the height, width and position of the graphic.

Syntax <Esc>GS p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 data

Parameters p1 = Color Image Buffer Number

Where:
0 = Yellow (Y)
1 = Magenta (M)
2 = Cyan ©)
3 = Dye Sublimation Black (Ks)

p2 = Data Mode:

Where:
32 = Uncompressed Data - 256 levels
(00~FF Hex.)
30 = Compressed Data - 32 levels (00-1F Hex.)

p3 = Horizontal (X-axis) Start Position, in dots

p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) Start Position, in dots
p5 = Horizontal (X-axis) Width of graphic, in dots (i.e.
horizontal lines)
p6 = Vertical (Y-axis) Height of graphic, in bytes
data =
Uncompressed or compressed color bit-map
data for a single separated color

2-55
G/vG - Initialize Monochrome Graphic (B/W)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Initializes Monochrome Graphic Area using height, width

and position

Syntax <Esc>G p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) Start Position (X) in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) Start Position (Y) in dots
p3 = Download Mode for Graphic (Bit-map):
When using bytes, the byte count must be rounded
upward to the next nearest whole byte.
Example:
25 dots = 3 bytes + 1 dot = 4 bytes
Value Data Description
0 Byte Standard
1 Byte Standard with Checksum
2 Byte Compressed
3 Byte Compressed with Checksum
10 Dot Standard
11 Dot Standard with Checksum
12 Dot Compressed
13 Dot Compressed with Checksum

p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) Height of graphic in bytes.

Round up the number of bytes loading in multiples
of 8 bits (i.e. Monochrome Dots)
p5 = Horizontal (X-axis) Width of graphic in dots (i.e.
horizontal lines)
p6 = Graphic Mode:

Where:
0 = Reverse Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Reverse Bit Map Image
1 = Standard Bit Map—Clear Print Area and load
Bit Map Image
2 = Merge Bit Map—Overwrite Background Bit
Map Image with Printable Dot
Locations,
leaving Non-printing Dot
Locations alone

2-56
%HEAD - Get Print Head Serial Number

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Both the printer as a whole and the print head

subassembly are assigned a unique serial number after
passing post-manufacturing quality and functional tests.
The serial number assigned to the print head mechanism
is separate from that assigned to the printer as a whole.
This command is used to retrieve the serial number
assigned to the print head mechanism.

Syntax <Esc>%HEAD

Parameters None

2-57
I - Print Monochrome Panel

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command serves to print a Monochrome Graphic

Panel from a card image previously stored in the buffer
designated for Resin images.
After print completion, the card may be ejected to the
Output Hopper or repositioned to print another image
(ribbon panel). Typically the Clear Varnish, or for some
models, the Hologram Lamination prints next. Then, a
duplex printer may produce additional printing after
flipping the card to the opposite side.
Ribbon panels advance during printing, making the
installed ribbon the overriding factor in choosing buffers
for imaging.

Syntax <Esc>I{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Optional Command Parameter

Where:
None =
Monochrome Buffer Print and card eject
10 = Card Print and return to Print Ready Position
20 = For Kr or Ks Ribbons—Prints card and
returns card to Print Ready Position. When
appropriate, synchronizes ribbon
For P520s using YMCKrOKr Ribbon—Ejects
card after last application of either Kr or
laminate. A prior +DLAMI Command
determines when the I 20 Command invokes
lamination.
30 = Print card but leave in place—used when
next Station is BUSY.

P520 with KrO Ribbon Example:

I 20
IV
MF
I 20
IV
MO

2-58
IH - Print Hologram Overlay

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i,

P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i

Description This command serves to print the entire addressable

Varnish Image Buffer or to reverse print any image data
(line, rectangles, graphics, text, etc.) previously stored in
the Resin Image Buffer.
After printing is complete, the card may be ejected to the
Output Hopper or repositioned to print form subsequent
ribbon panels for models that support the duplex
printing.
The ribbon advances position a panel for printing after
completion of printing from the previous panel.

Syntax <Esc>IH{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Optional Print Parameter

Where:
None =
Prints 100% of Image Buffer as Hologram
Lamination and ejects card

1 = Prints inverse of Image Data to card and

ejects card

10 = Prints card and returns card to Print-Ready

Position

2-59
IM - Print Color Test Card

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Prints a card with a Color Test Pattern

NOTE: The Kresin panel is not used in this image.

Syntax <Esc>IM

Parameters None

Figure 2-3
Color Test Card

2-60
IMB - Print Gray Test Card

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Prints an all gray card. Typically this card serves as a

basis for Print Head Adjustments. Note that a black
ribbon is required (Reference table below).

Printer Model Ribbon Required

P205 monochrome ribbon 800015-221

P210i monochrome ribbon 800015-201

P310c monochrome ribbon 800015-301

P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c 800015-101
monochrome ribbon

Syntax <Esc>IMB

Parameters None

Figure 2-4
Print Black Test Card

2-61
IS - Print Card Panel

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command serves to print from a selected color dye

sublimation ribbon panel using data from an associated
image buffer.
After completing a printing pass, the card is repositioned
to print the next ribbon panel.
The ribbon panel advances during printing such that
completion of one panel leaves the ribbon ready to print
the next panel.
NOTE: Printing for Dye Sublimation Black occurs using
data from a color buffer in conjunction with a KdyeO
ribbon.

Syntax <Esc>IS p1

Parameters p1 = Color image buffer number:

Where:
0 = Yellow (Y)
1 = Magenta (M)
2 = Cyan ©)
3 = Dye Sublimation Black (Kdye)

NOTE: Card imaging using the YMCKOK ribbon requires

the following command sequence:
IS 0 Image Yellow
IS 1 Image Magenta
IS 2 Image Cyan
I Image Black and Return
(YMCKOK only)
IV 10 Image Varnish and Return
I 20 Image Black and Return
MO Eject Card

2-62
IV - Print Clear Varnish

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i,

P420c, P420i, P430i

Description This command serves either to print the entire

addressable image buffer or to reverse print with the
clear varnish or any image data (line, rectangles,
graphics, text, etc.) previously stored in a Monochrome
Image Buffer.
After printing is complete, the card may be ejected to the
Output Hopper or repositioned to print more ribbon
panels for models that support the Hologram,
Lamination, or Duplex Operations.
The ribbon panels advance during printing such that
completion of printing from one ribbon panel leaves the
ribbon ready to print the next panel.

Syntax <Esc>IV{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Optional Print Parameter

Where:
None =
Print Varnish from all of Image
Buffer and
eject card
1 = Print Varnish using Inverted Image Buffer data
and eject card
10 = Print card and return card to Print Ready
Position
11 = Print Varnish using Inverted Image Buffer
data and return card to Print
Ready Position
30 = Print card but leave in place (used when
next Station is BUSY
31 = Similar to 30, but inverts Image data

2-63
+ISC - Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description The Smart Card interface on the P330i printer provides

an asynchronous communication port that can be used to
communicate with an external smart card programming
device. This command (or the more flexible +ISC2
variant) is used to configure the communication
parameters used by the smartcard serial port.

Syntax <Esc>+ISC p1

Parameters p1 = Serial port baud rate, from the following table:

0=9600, 1=19200, 2=38400, 3=57600,
4=112500
The word size, parity and stop bit configuration of the smart
card serial port are set to 8/None/1 when this command is
used. Use the +ISC2 command if these parameters need to
be changed.

2-64
+ISC2 - Set Smart Card Serial Port Data Rate
(Advanced)

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description The Smart Card interface on the P330i printer provides

an asynchronous communication port that can be used
to communicate with an external smart card
programming device. This command (or the more basic
+ISC variant) is used to configure the communication
parameters used by the smartcard serial port.

Syntax <Esc>+ISC2 p1 p2 p3 p4

Parameters P1 - Serial port baud rate, from the following table:

0=9600, 1=19200, 2=38400, 3=57600, 4=112500
P2 - Parity setting: 0=Even, 1=Odd, 2=None
P3 - Word size: 5, 6, 7 or 8
P4 - Stop bits: 0 or 1=1 stop bit, 2=2 stop bits
The +ISC command can also be used to initialize the smart
card interface serial port. When +ISC is used, the
wordsize, parity and stop bit settings are fixed at 8/None/1.

2-65
ISERIES - i-Series Printer Test

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420i, P430i,
P520i,

Description This command simply returns a <Ack> response when

executed on an i-Series printer. Earlier printer models
(such as the C series) will signal a error when this
command is executed. The response to this command
can be used to determine if the printer attached is an
i-Series (or later) generation.

Syntax <Esc>ISERIES

Parameters None

2-66
J - Print Multiple Monochrome Cards

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description NOTE: This command only applies to monochrome

printing using a Monochrome Ribbon having a single
continuos color and material; i.e., all black, all red, all
green, etc.
This command serves to print several monochrome
cards from an image previously stored in the Resin
Image Buffer.
NOTE: Error recovery is not possible from this
command.

Syntax <Esc>J p1

Parameters p1 = Number of cards to print

2-67
!L - Check Status: P720 Laminator Sensor Levels

Models Supported P720c

Description Allows a P720 Laminator Sensor Level Check

Syntax <Esc># 1 !L{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Sensor

Where:
None = All sensors
0 = Ribbon Top (0~255)
1 = Ribbon Bottom (0~255)
2 = Temperature Top (0~255)
3 = Temperature Bottom (0~255)
4 = Decurling (0~255)
5 = Entry (0~255)
6 = X Top (0~255)
7 = Y Top (0~255)
8 = X Bottom (0~255)
9 = Y Bottom (0~255)
10 = Top Ribbon Detect (0~7)
11 = Bottom Ribbon Detect (0~7)

2-68
!L - Check Status of Printer Sensors

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i,

P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description: This command returns a series of numbers that are

formatted as shown below:
TTT RRR PPP VV,V CCC hhh HHH LLL MMM

The letters shown in the pattern above are actually

numeric digits that correspond to 9 sensor status
readings, as listed here:

TTT - Head temperature in arbitrary units.

RRR - Ribbon present sensor
000 = No ribbon installed
255 = Ribbon installed and detected

PPP - Card in print position sensor. This value will range

from 000 - 255.A value below 032 indicates the
absence of a card by the print head. A value over
224 indicates that a card is present.
VV,V - Main power supply voltage. Typical values range
between 22,0 and 24,2 ("," equals decimal point)
CCC - Color ribbon sensor. Will be less than 032 when a
yellow, magenta, or overlay/varnish panel is over
the sensor.
hhh - Secondary print head position sensor. During
normal operation, this sensor should always read
000. It will read 255 if the print head is out of
position, neither fully up or fully down.
HHH - Primary print head position sensor. Reads 000
when the print head is 'up' and not ready to print.
Will read 255 when print head is down and in
contact with the ribbon and card surface.
LLL - Head State. Reads 000 when the print head is 'up'
and not ready to print. Will read 255 when print
head is down and in contact with the ribbon and
card surface.
MMM - Magnetic encoder card position sensor.
000 = Card over sensor
255 = No card present in encoder

2-69
 P330i Only: In addition to the values described above, the P330i
model returns four additional values, all formatted as
3-fixed-digit decimal values separate by a single space.
The additional values returned by the P330i are:
Card feed sensor level - A value under 32 indicates
the presence of a card. A value over 192 indicates the
absence of one.
Yellow ribbon color sensor level - Values below 100
(typically) indicate that a yellow or overlay ribbon panel is
in print position.
Blue ribbon color sensor level - Values below 100
(typically) indicate that a cyan or overlay ribbon panel is
in print position.
Smart card position sensor level - Values under 32
indicate the presence of a card in the smart card station
position, whereas values over 192 indicate the absence of
one.

Syntax: <Esc>!L

Parameters: None

2-70
$L - Draw a Horizontal Line/Rectangle in a Color
Buffer

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i,

P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Draws a line or rectangle in a color buffer. This

command is the color imaging equivalent of the
monochrome L/vL commands.

Syntax <Esc>$L p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 {p6}

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) dot start position

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) dot start position
p3 = Horizontal (X-axis) width of graphic in dots
p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) height of graphic in dots
p5 = Color intensity level 0 - 31
p6 = Color buffer to operate on, as listed below:

0 - Yellow (default if not specified)

1 - Cyan
2 - Magenta
3 - Dye-sub black (Kdye)

2-71
&L - Read Single Track

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Reads data for a single track from a magnetic card.

Syntax <Esc>&Ln
<Esc>&L n

Parameters n = Track Number

Where:
1 = Return Track 1 data as an ASCII string
2 = Return Track 1 data as an ASCII string
3 = Return Track 1 data as an ASCII string

NOTE: Only p1 values of 11, 12, and 13, require a

preceding space.

11= Return Track 1 data in ASCII hexadecimal format

12= Return Track 1 data in ASCII hexadecimal format
13= Return Track 1 data in ASCII hexadecimal format

2-72
&L - Read Single Track - Continued

The data returned will conform to the values shown in

the table below.

Track Characters Field Length

(Default) Separator
<Sp>$ ( ) - . /
1 0 through 9 ^ 76
A through Z (All Caps)
2 0 through 9 = 37
3 0 through 9 = 104
<Sp>11 Hexadecimal* N/A *
<Sp>12 Hexadecimal* N/A *
<Sp>13 Hexadecimal* N/A *
* - See Appendix C.

The actual data encoded onto the card is converted auto-

matically from an ISO-track-specified encoding format to
ASCII. See Appendix C for default ANSI/ISO data formats
and custom data encoding commands.
If track data is returned in ASCII hex format, the value of
each 2-digit hex number will have the same ordinal
value that it would if the data read were returned in
ASCII string format. For example, if the ASCII
representation of the data read from the track is
"01234", the hex version returned will be "3031323334".

2-73
+$L - Adjust Specified Color Intensity

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sets the maximum color intensity (heat) level applied to a

selected dye sublimation ribbon panel.

Syntax <Esc>+$L p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Color Image buffer number:

Where:
0 = Yellow (Y)
1 = Magenta (M)
2 = Cyan ©)
3 = Dye Sublimation Black (Kdye)

p2 = Intensity

Where:
5 = Printer default
0~10 = p2 range

2-74
!LC - Check Lamination Counter

Models Supported P720c

Description Checks the number of laminations since the last counter

reset.

Syntax <Esc># 1 !LC

Parameters None

Description Every time the printer laminates a card, the printer

increments its lamination counter, and saves this value
in non-volatile memory. The printer also maintains a
count of the number of times it failed to laminate a card
due to mechanical and print engine related problems.
This command allows the host to read the value of both
of these counters. The values are reported in ASCII
decimal, separate by a space, with the successful
lamination counter value reported first.

Syntax <Esc>!LC

Parameters None

2-75
$LD - Initialize a Color Buffer to a Specified Inten-
sity Level

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description The specified imaging buffer is initialized to a known state

specified in the command. The buffer is "cleared" to a
specified color intensity level.

Syntax <Esc>$LD p1 {p2}

Parameters p1 = Specifies the intensity level to initialize the specified

color intensity level.

p2 = The color buffer to initialize, as listed below:

0 - Yellow (default if not specified)

1 - Cyan
2 - Magenta
3 - Dye-sub black (Kdye)

2-76
!LT - Check Lamination Temperature

Models Supported P720c

Description Checks temperature of Lamination Rollers

Syntax <Esc># 1 !LT p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Roller Select

Where:
0 = Top
1 = Bottom
p2 = If not 0, returns Default Value

2-77
+LT - Set Lamination Temperature

Models Supported P720c

Description Sets the temperatures for upper and lower lamination

rollers

Syntax <Esc># 1 +LT p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Roller select

Where:
0 = Upper
1 = Lower

p2 = Temperature
Do not set lamination temperature above 2000F.m an
ISO-track-specified encoding format to ASCII. See Appen-
dix C for default ANSI/ISO data formats and custom data
encoding commands.

2-78
!LTI - Check Lamination Time

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns setting for time spent passing through the

Lamination Rollers

Syntax <Esc># 1 !LTI p1

Parameters p1 = If other than 0, returns Default Value

2-79
+LTI - Set Lamination Time

Models Supported P720c

Description Sets time it takes for cards to pass between the lamination
rollers

Syntax <Esc># 1 +LTI p1

Parameters p1 = Time in tenths of seconds (Default of 100 specifies

10 seconds)

2-80
L/vL - Draw Horizontal Line (Monochrome/Over-
lay)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Downloads a Monochrome Graphic line using

parameters to specify origin, height, and width. The
resulting line overwrites any existing graphics data. The
“L”command writes to the buffer used for Resin
Printing. The “vL” command writes to a buffer used for
Varnish Printing.

Syntax <Esc>L p1 p2 p3 p4 p5

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) Start Position (X) in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) Start Position (Y) in dots
p3 = Horizontal (X-axis) Width of graphic in dots (i.e.
horizontal lines)
p4 = Vertical (Y-axis) Height of graphic in dots
p5 = Graphic Mode

Where:
0 = Clear Print Area and load Reverse Bit Map
Image
1 = Clear Print Area and load Standard Bit Map
Image
2 = Overwrite Background Bit Map Image in
Printable Dot Locations, leaving Non-Printing
Dot Locations alone

Figure 2-5 Lines

Line /Rectangle 0
Image Positioning
P1 P2
D
o
t P3
s
P4
Line Image Origin

2-81
!M - Move Print Head Up

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves the Print Head Assembly up from the card (and
platen roller)

Syntax <Esc>!M

Parameters None

For the P520i laminator heat roller, the # 1 !M command

will move the laminator head up.

2-82
MB - Return Card To Card Feeder

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves the card in the reverse direction and returns the
card to the card feed point (just inside the card printer)
from any position between the card feeder and the
output hopper.
When sent to P520 laminator:
Returns a card in laminator to card flip station.

Syntax <Esc>MB

Parameters None

2-83
MC - Clear Media Path

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sends any card in the media path of the printer to the
output hopper
NOTE: A ribbon error can leave a card in the printer. if
issued at power-on, this command assures a clear media
path for subsequent operations.

Syntax <Esc>MC

Parameters None

2-84
MCL - Move Contactless

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description P310 and P420 printers offer a means to step proximity

cards (also called contactless cards) forward or backward
relative to the card sensor.

Syntax <Esc>MCL p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Steps Moved

p2 = Direction

Where:
0 = Forward
1 = Backward

Example <Esc>MCL 200 1

This example places a card 1800 steps past the card
sensor. (i.e., +OCL command default (2000) minus
MCL command p1 (200) = 1800)

2-85
ME - Exit Card To Output Hopper

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves and exits a single card from any position to the
output hopper.
When sent to a P520 laminator, sends a card in the
laminator to the output hopper.

Syntax <Esc>ME{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Number of cards to pass through printer (p1 omitted

specifies a single card)

2-86
MF - Flip Card

Models Supported P120i, P420c, P430i, P520c

Description Flips a card to opposite side for Duplex Printing

NOTE: For user safety, a card flip requires a closed
cover.
For P420:
Card remains in the Card-Flip Assembly.
For P520:
If a card is in the printer, places card in Card-Flip, flips
card, and returns card to Print-Ready position.
If no card is in the printer, feeds a card prior to placing a
card in Card Flip, flipping card, and returning card to
Print-Ready position.

Syntax <Esc>MF

Parameters None

Example See +DLAMI Command

All G/Z, GS buffering commands following the MF will load

data in the secondary YMCKO data buffers. All G/Z, GS
buffering commands following the MF will load data in the
secondarm data encoding commands.

2-87
MI - Move Card Into Print Ready Position

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves a card from the card input hopper to the print
ready position

Syntax <Esc>MI{ p1}

Parameters p1 = None (Move card into print ready position)

p1 = 1 (Moves card to laminator station—P520 and P720
only)

2-88
MIB - Move Card Back To Print Ready Position

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description For P310/P320/P420:

Moves a card from beyond the print position back to the
print ready position
For P520:
Sent to printer, returns a card from beyond the print
ready position of printer (not yet in laminator) to the
print ready position of printer
Sent to laminator, returns a card to laminate ready
position

Syntax <Esc>MIB

Parameters None

2-89
MM - Move Card Through Printer

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description For All Models:

Allows a card to be moved an arbitrary distance either
forward or backward through the print mechanism.

Syntax <Esc>MM P1 {P2}

Parameters P1 - Distance to move card through mechanism, measured

in dot-line units. A distance of 300 will move the
card 1 inch (225.4 mm).
P2 - Optional. If not specified, or 0, the card is moved
forward through the mechanism, towards the card
exit. If this value is specified and ³ 1, the card is
moved backward, toward the card entrance. On the
P205 and P210i, a 0 will move the card backward,
toward the card entrance, while a 1 will move the
card forward, toward the card exit.

This command is provided primarily for testing the integrity

of the card transport mechanism. Unusual print errors or
odd results might be seen on the next card printed following
the use of this command.

2-90
M/m - Multiple Command

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Groups and repeats a string of commands a specified

number of times. “M” differs from “m” only regarding
the response to errors. Errors encountered during
commands linked by “m” commands abort any
remaining commands, while M-linked commands
resume after an appropriate error response.

Syntax <Esc>M p1 c1[c2[c3...[cn

Parameters p1 = Number of times to repeat following command

string
c1~cn =
Series of linked commands that will be repeated p1
times. Note the square bracket ([) delimiters.

Example This example shows an “M” command used to group

and repeat four commands.

<Esc>M 3 MI[!D[!M[MO

The “M” command groups a command string. A card

loads to the print-ready position with the “MI”
command. “!D” lowers the print head; “!M” raises the
print head, and “MO” sends the card to the output
hopper.
The “M” command specifies three repeats of this
sequence. If an error occurs (e.g., the input hopper runs
out of cards) a command sequence linked by the “M”
command terminates. In contrast, after error correction
and an associated pressing of the panel button, a
command sequence linked by the “m” command
resumes.

2-91
MO - Move Card To Output Hopper

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description For P310, P320, and P420:

Moves and exits a single card from any position except
the input hopper to the output hopper.
For P520:
Sent to printer, ejects a card from anywhere in printer
except the input hopper to the output hopper.
Sent to laminator, ejects a card in laminator to the output
hopper. If no card is present, printer responds ACK.
For P720:
Moves card from the printer station to the laminator
station.

Syntax <Esc>MO

Parameters None

2-92
MR - Check for Card Presence

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns status to host indicating whether or not a card is

present within the print mechanism.

Syntax <Esc>MR {P1}

Parameters Detection/status option, where:

0/omitted: Check for card in the primary print path only
and report "Card Present" or "Feeder Error" status.
1: Same as 0, but returns an "OK" response if a card is
present.
10: The card flip mechanism, if present, is checked for a
card in addition to the primary path. A "Card Present"
status code is returned if a card is detected, otherwise, a
"Feeder Error" status is returned.
11: Same as 10, but returns an "OK" response if a card is
present.

2-93
MRB - Move Card to Reject Box

Models Supported P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, and P720c printers

have a hopper used to collect rejected cards. This
command places the card being processed into this box.

Syntax <Esc>MRB

Parameters None

2-94
MS - Move Card To Smart Card Programmer

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Moves a card to the smart card docking station and

engages the smart card programming contacts. The card
remains in smart card docking station until a card
movement command is sent.
NOTE: Pins 5 and 9 of the DB-9 connector briefly
interconnect to signal an external programming device
that the card is ready to program.

Syntax <Esc>MS

Parameters None

2-95
MS - Move Card To Smart Card Programmer

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Moves a card to the smart card docking station and

engages the smart card programming contacts. The card
remains in smart card docking station until a card
movement command is sent.

Syntax <Esc>MS p1

Parameters p1: Type of movement, where:

none = Load contact smart card into contact
station, engage the solenoid and
initialize the contact reader
communication environment.
1= Engage the contact station's solenoid.
2= Disengage the contact station's
solenoid.
3= Load a card from feeder into
contact-less HID reader antenna area,
also initialize the HID reader
communication environment.
4= Load a card from feeder into
contact-less MiFare reader antenna
area, also initialize the MiFare reader
communication environment.

2-96
&– Select Magnetic Encoding Standard

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Selects the magnetic encoding standard to use (ISO or

JIS).

Syntax <Esc>&N P1

Parameters p1 - Encoding standard, where:

0 = JIS(II)
1 = ISO

JIS encoding, if selected, can only be done on track 1.

Tracks 2 and 3 will always be written in ISO (or custom)
format, regardless of the value set by this command.

2-97
!NL - Get Printer Impression and Error Counters

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Every time the printer makes a single printing pass over a
card, the printer increments its impression counter, and
saves this value in non-volatile memory. The printer also
maintains a count of the number of times it failed to print
a card due to mechanical and print engine related
problems.
This command allows the host to read the value of both
of these counters. The values are reported in ASCII
decimal, seperated by a space, with the print impression
counter value reported first.
The impression counter does not necessarily reflect the
total number of CARDS printed. For example, a
full-color single-sided card printed using a YMCKO ribbon
will require up to 5 print impressions - one for each
ribbon panel Y, M, C, K and O - to generate a single
printed card. The !CC command (described elsewhere in
this document) can be used to get the actual number of
cards printed.

Syntax <Esc>!NL

Parameters None

2-98
!O - Check Card Offset

Models Supported P430i, P720c

Description Checks Offset from Laminator Card Sense to Laminator

Rollers

Syntax <Esc># 1 !O{ p1}

p1 = Offset (Query)

Where:
If p1 is not 0, Printer returns default value.

2-99
+O - Print Offset X-Axis

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Alters the horizontal (X-axis) start print offset point, in

dots

Syntax <Esc>+O p1

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) start print offset, in dots:

Where:
8 = Default
0~20 = Range

2-100
+OCL - Offset Contactless

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i

Description The P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

and P430i printers offer a means to program proximity
cards (also called contactless cards). This command
includes a parameter that specifies the steps from the
card sensor to a card position suitable for proximity card
programming.

Syntax <Esc>+OCL p1

Parameters p1 = Steps past card sensor (Defaults to 2000)

2-101
!OFP - Check X-Axis Patch Offset

Models Supported P720c

Description Checks X-Axis Offset setup for upper or lower laminator

patch applications
NOTE: See +OFP Command to change offset(s).

Syntax <Esc># 1 !OFP p1

Parameters p1 = Laminator patch selection

Where:
0 = upper
1 = lower

2-102
+OFP - Adjust X-Axis Laminator Patch Offset

Models Supported P720c

Description Establishes X-Axis patch positioning setup

NOTE: See !OFP command for check of current offset.

Syntax <Esc># 1 +OFP p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Patch selection

Where:
0 = upper
1 = lower

p2 = Offset

Where:
Range = 100~800

2-103
+OLP - Offset Overlaminate Patch

Models Supported P520c, P520i

Description Specifies the relationship between card positions and

ribbon sync markers used to place lamination patches on
cards
Note that except for the first patch, the firmware can use
ribbon sync marker sensing in concert with flag sensor
increment sensing to determine ribbon advance step
requirements for patch applications. however, a ribbon
initialization leaves the firmware without an associated
history for ribbon step requirements. Because of this, the
firmware needs a beginning step value for use only to
position the ribbon after an Initialization.
NOTE: This command only applies to P520 laminator
stations and ribbons with Sync. Markers.

Syntax <Esc># 1 +OLP p1 p2 p3

Parameters p1 = Card offset count from ribbon sync. marker sense to

the point p2 takes effect. Only used to synchronize
lamination patches that follow Initializations
p2 = Offset between where patch applications start
p3 = Count where patch applications end

Default Settings <Esc># 1 +OLP 110 140 90

2-104
!OP - Check Patch Offsets

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns laminator patch offset values

Syntax <Esc># 1 !OP p1 p2{ p3}

Parameters p1 = Laminator patch selection

Where:
0 = Top
1 = Bottom
P2 = Axis Selection

Where
0 = X Axis
1 = Y Axis
p3 = If different than 0, returns default value

2-105
+OP - Adjust Laminator Patch X and Y Offset

Models Supported P720c

Description Allows centering of patch applications

Syntax <Esc># 1 +OP p1 p2 p3

Parameters p1 = Patch selection

Where:
0 = Top
1 = Bottom

p2 = Card Axis selection

Where:
0 = X Axis
1 = Y Axis

p3 = Offset (0~10 millimeters)

2-106
+OS - Smart Card X-axis Offset

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Offsets the horizontal (X-axis) smart card programmer

location in dots

Syntax <Esc>+OS p1

Parameters p1 = Horizontal start position (X) in dots

Where:
112 = Default*
0~192 = Range*

* For 330i only: Default = 1 and Range = None

2-107
O/vO - Load Single Line Bit-map (Monochrome)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Downloads a single line of monochrome bit-map data

into a monochrome image buffer. The printer uses a
proceeding “G” command to specify and control the line
bit-map placement. An “O” command specifies the
monochrome buffer used for resin printing, and a "vO"
command specifies a monochrome buffer used for
varnish printing.

Syntax <Esc>Odata{ CHECKSUM}

<Esc>vOdata{ CHECKSUM}
NOTE: No space (20 Hex.) exists between the “O” and
the “data.”

Parameters data =
Uncompressed or compressed monochrome bit-map
data. Data length must match the line length
specified in the proceeding “G” command.

See Chapter 1 for the relationship of monochrome

bit-maps to data.
CHECKSUM =
Single byte of XOR data generated from image data.
If CHECKSUM is specified by the related G/vG
command, a checksum must be included here.

Example Preceding command is:

<Esc>G 200 200 0 2 15 1

(This “G” command specifies 15 lines of 2-byte bit-map

data)
The 15 “O” command lines immediately follow the “G”
command as:

<esc>Odata Line1
<esc>Odata Line2
<esc>Odata Line3
etc.

2-108
 O/vO - Load Single Line Bit-map (Continued)

EscO

Data
Figure 2-6 1 Byte

CR
Line by Line Image
Object &
Hexadecimal Code 1B 4F 00 00 0D
1B 4F 00 00 0D
1B 4F 00 00 0D
1B 4F 00 00 0D
1B 4F 03 F0 0D
1B 4F 0F FC 0D
1B 4F 1F FE 0D
1B 4F 3F FF OD
1B 4F 3F FF OD
1B 4F 7F FF OD
1B 4F 7F FF OD
1B 4F 7F FF OD
1B 4F FC 0F OD
1B 4F F0 O3 OD
1B 4F E0 01 OD

Any chance control characters that appear among the

data require a preceding open bracket ([) character.
Control characters include escape (1B hex), enter (OD
hex), and the open bracket (5B hex). The command
lines would appear as:
EscO

Data
Figure 2-7
1 Byte
CR
Line by Line Image
Object &
1B 4F 5B 1B 00 0D
Hexadecimal Code 1B 4F 00 5B 0D 0D
with control 1B 4F 5B 1B 5B 0D 0D
1B 4F 5B 5B 6A 0D
characters 1B 4F C5 5B 1B 0D

2-109
+OY - Print Offset Y-axis

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Offsets the vertical (Y-axis) start print location in dots

Syntax <Esc>+OY p1

Parameters p1 = Vertical (Y-axis) offset, in dots

Where:
18 = Default

2-110
!P - Move Card Forward 8 cm

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description If a card is present in the printer mechanism, it is moved

forward 8 cm. The card transport motor is activated
even if a card is not present within the mechanism. This
command is typically used to test the operation of the
card transport mechanism..

Syntax <Esc>!P

Parameters None

2-111
&P - Check Card Present - Encoder

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the Bi-directional Serial Interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a Test Environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and com-
municating with the printer. The Printer CPU Board has as-
sociated connectors.

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i

Description This command is used to check for the presence of a card

in the Magnetic Encoder Station.

Syntax <Esc>&P

Parameters None

Response Typical status responses:

(NACK)05(EOT) - Card in Magnetic Encoder
(NACK)06(EOT) - Card not in Magnetic Encoder

2-112
+PRF - Pre-Feed a Card Close to the Print Area

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Pre-feeds a card to the printing area or Smart Card

sensor area before the next print. A card is pre-fed to the
print area after the previous card was ejected. With an
internal contact smart card installed printer, a card is
pre-fed to the Smart Card sensor location instead of the
printing position.

Syntax <Esc>+PRF p1

Parameters p1: Enable / Disable Pre-Feed, where

0 = Disable Pre-Feed
1 = Enable Pre-Feed

2-113
PS - Download Color Image Buffer

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P210i, P310c, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Initializes and downloads Separated Color Data ©, M, Y,

or K) for an associated complete Single-Color Image
Buffer.

Syntax <Esc>PS p1 p2 data

Parameters p1 = Color image buffer number

Where:
0 = Yellow (Y)
1 = Magenta (M)
2 = Cyan ©)
3 = Dye Sublimation Black (Kdye)
p2 = Data Mode:

Where:
32 = Uncompressed Data - 256 levels
(00~FF Hex.)
30 = Compressed Data - 32 levels (00~1F Hex.)
data =
Uncompressed or compressed Color Bit-Map Data
for a single separated color.
Where the Color Buffer Maximum is:
655,360 Compressed Bytes

2-114
P/vP - Draw Single Dot (Monochrome/Overlay)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Writes a single monochrome dot to a monochrome

image buffer. The “ P”command writes to the buffer
used for Resin printing. The vP command writes to a
buffer used for varnish printing.

Syntax <Esc>P p1 p2 p3
vP p1 p2 p3

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X-axis) start position (X) in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y-axis) start position (Y) in dots
p3 = Graphic mode:

Where:
0 = Clear print area and load reverse bit map
image

1 = Clear print area and load standard bit map

image

2 = Overwrite previous bit map image in

prescribed dot locations, without clearing
non-printing locations

2-115
R - Reset

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Reinitializes printer

NOTE: P520 laminators can be reset by using the
<Esc># 1 R command direction sequence.

Syntax <Esc>R

Syntax <Esc># 1 R
(P520 Laminator)

Parameters None

2-116
!R - Print Head Resistance

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Enters Manufacture’s Average Resistance that appears

on the Print Head Label. Note that replacements to Print
Heads with 10-micron glass can produce faint printing if
not offset (typically with increases of between 180 and
225 ohms). An offset that optimizes print quality should
be found.
NOTE: This setting interacts with the following
commands:
+C Thermal Transfer Intensity
+$L Color Intensity
+$C Color Contrast

Syntax <Esc>!R p1

Parameters p1 = Resistance

Where:
For P310, P320, P420, P520, P720:
p1 = 1400~2350

For P205, P210:

P1 = 1400~5000

Example In the following example, 1567 ohms is entered, based

on the resistance value marked on the print head label.

<Esc>!R 1567

2-117
&R - Reset Magnetic Encoder

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Clears Magnetic Encoder Command and Data Buffers

This command does not return the track data format or den-
sity to default values. This command should be sent when
reformatting the encoder parameters. Do not send this com-
mand for every card.

Syntax <Esc>&R

Parameters None

2-118
>R - Read Data From Smart Card Serial Interface

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description This command will read data from the smart card serial
interface and pass it back to the host, unchanged, until
the internal serial port receive buffer is emptied. The
printer logic constantly monitors and buffers data
received by the smart card serial port (even when the
>R command is not executing) so there is little danger
that receive data will be lost unless the internal serial
receive buffer overflows.
To receive a complete data stream from the smart card
serial port, simply continue to issue >R commands,
adding whatever data is sent back to the host into a
buffer until the expected end-of-data token or packet
block is received.
The communication mode (contact vs. contactless) used
is dependent on the mode set by the last >W or >WB
command that was issued.
The printer logic does not modify the data from the
serial port that is passed back to the host in any way, but
the printer logic will add the usual (OK) acknowledge
code at the end of the data stream for each invocation of
the >R command.

Syntax <Esc>>R

Parameters None
Communication mode (contact vs. contactless) depends
on the mode specified in the last >W or >WB
command issued.

2-119
+RB - Set Reject Box Usage

Models Supported P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description In P420s, P520s, and P720s, this command determines

the hopper used to collect cards rejected because of
printing or encoding errors. Unless changed, the printer
sends encoding rejects to the reject hopper and printing
rejects to the output hopper.

Syntax <Esc>+RB p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Error Type

Where:
0 = Encoding & printing
1 = Encoding only
2 = Printing only

p2 = Hopper used

Where:
0 = Exit hopper
1 = Reject hopper

Examples: +RB 1 1
+RB 2 0

2-120
>RB - Read Data From Smart Card Serial Inter-
face in ASCII hex Form

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Like the >R command, this command will read data
from the smart card serial port receive buffer and pass it
back to the host until the contents of the receive buffer
have been emptied. Unlike the >R command, which
sends data to the host in raw binary form, the >RB
command formats the data as a stream of 2-digit ASCII
hexadecimal values. Each byte received is represented
by exactly 2 digits (with leading zero if needed). There is
NO intervening space placed between values sent.
Alphabetic digits (A through F) are sent in lowercase.
The example below shows how the data sent to the host
would be formatted:
05413fb50d
Note the presence of leading 0’s for some values (05
and 0d), the use of lowercase values for alpha digits,
and the lack of spaces between each 2-digit pair.
The communication mode (contact vs. contactless) used
is dependent on the mode set by the last >W or >WB
command that was issued.

Syntax <Esc>>RB

Parameters None
Communication mode (contact vs. contactless) depends
on the mode specified in the last >W or >WB
command issued.

2-121
RCBC - Reset Rejected Card Box Counter

Models Supported P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description In P420s, P520s and P720s this command resets the

counter that keeps track of the number of cards placed in
the Rejected Card Box.

Syntax <Esc>RCBC

Parameters None

2-122
>RG - Contact Internal Gemplus Smart Card Read
Command

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Read data from the Gemplus internal smart card reader.
The >RG command formats the received data (from the
reader) as a stream of 2-digit ASCII hexadecimal values.
Each byte received is represented by exactly 2 digits
(with a leading zero if needed. There is NO intervening
space placed between values sent. Alphabetic digits (a
through f) are sent in lower case.

Syntax <Esc>>RG

Parameters None

2-123
+RIB - Set Ribbon Type

Models Supported P310c, P420c, P520c, P720c

Description For non RFID printers, sets printer operation for either a
standard or one of the nonstandard ribbons, as follows:
• standard ribbons:
kresin (Monochrome—except P310)
YMCKresinO
KdyeO
KresinO
• Nonstandard ribbons:
YMCKresinOKresin
YMC
YMCKresin
YMCKresin_Kresin

NOTE: All models synchronize ribbons automatically

after an unlatch and latch of the print head, but require a
p1 setting of 4 to avoid attempted ribbon synchronization
with monochrome ribbons installed. Without this setting,
some ribbon waste occurs in an attempted
synchronization.

Syntax <Esc>+RIB p1

Parameters p1 = Ribbon type

Where:
0 = Standard ribbon
4 = Monochrome ribbon
10 = 6-Panel ribbon (YMCKresinOKresin)
11 = 3-Panel ribbon (YMC)
13 = 4-Panel ribbon (YMCKresin)
21 = 5-Panel ribbon w/two Kresin (YMCKresin_Kresin)

Note: Card imaging using the YMCKOK ribbon requires

the following command sequence:

IS 0 Image Yellow
IS 1 Image Magenta
IS 2 Image Cyan
I Image Black & Return (YMCKOK only)
IV 10 Image Varnish and Return
I 20 Image Black and Return
MO Eject Card

2-124
!RIBBON - Check Ribbon Type

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns information for the type of lamination ribbon

installed

Syntax <Esc># 1 !RIBBON p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Ribbon Selection

Where:
0 = Upper
1 = Lower

p2 = Ribbon Information (Optional)

Where:
None = Current ribbon type setting
0 = Default Temperature for Ribbon Type
1 = Temperature Setting for installed
2 = X Offset Setting for installed
3 = Y Offset Setting for installed
4 = Cassette available (Upper or Lower)
5 = Color Signature for installed
6 = Part Number for installed

2-125
!RIBBON - Get ribbon type installed

Models Supported: P210i, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P430i, P520i

Description: Returns a number representing the type of ribbon

installed based on the table below:
ID Ribbon type
0 No ribbon installed
1 Unknown (monochrome)
2 YMCKO 200
3 YMCK 250
4 YMCKK 200
5 YMCKOK 170
6 YMC 300
7 Monochrome
8 Monochrome
9 Monochrome
10 Monochrome
11 Monochrome
12 Monochrome
13 Monochrome
14 YMCKO 330
15 YMCK 400
16 KdO 500
17 KrO 500
18 Scratch-off Gray 800
19 Secure Hologram 350
20 PCard Hologram 350
21 Clear 350
22 YMCKU
23 YMCUK
24 YMCUK
25 YMCKU
26 YMCUK
27 YMCUK
28 YMCKUK
29 Halfpanel YMC
30 Halfpanel YMC/Full KO
31 UV Overlay 1000

Ribbon type YMC : Yellow/Magenta/Cyan (color capable)

abbreviations: K/Kr : Black resin
Kd : Black dye
O: Clear overlay
U: Ultraviolet-protection overlay

Syntax: !RIBBON

Parameters: None

2-126
+RIBBON - Set Ribbon Type

Models Supported P720c

Description Specifies a lamination ribbon

Syntax <Esc># 1 +RIBBON p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Ribbon selection

Where:
0 = Top
1 = Bottom
p2 = Ribbon type

Where:
0 = No Ribbon
1 = Unknown Ribbon
2 = Single Side Lamination Top
3 = Single Side Lamination Bottom
4 = 800015-714
5 = 800015- 712
6 = 800015-713
7 = 800015-715
8 = 800015-716
9 = 800015-717
10 = 800015-718
19 = 800015-031

2-127
!RIBPN- Get ribbon part number

Models Supported: P210i, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420i, P430i

Description: Returns the Zebra part/order number associated with the

ribbon currently installed in the printer.
Example: If a YMCKO-330 ribbon is presently installed
issuing the !RIBPN command will return the value
800015-540

Syntax: !RIBPN

Parameters: None
Part numbers for printer supplies (including ribbons) are
subject to change. Consult the most recent Card Printer
Supplies List to ensure the part numbers for ribbons to be
ordered is correct.

2-128
!RIBLEN- Get number of remaining panels on ribbon

Models Supported: P110i, P120i, P210i, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420i, P430i,
P520i

Description: Returns an estimate of the number of unused panel sets

remaining on the ribbon presently installed. This value
indicates how many cards can be printed with the
present ribbon before it will need to be replaced.

Syntax: !RIBLEN

Parameters: None

2-129
+RO - X-Axis Offset, Relative

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Offsets X-axis print origin plus or minus dot values from
current setting
NOTE: For entry of exact X-Axis offsets, see the +O
command.

Syntax <Esc>+RO p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Direction

Where:
0 = increase
1 = decrease

p2 = Offset (default = 1)

2-130
+ROY - Y-Axis Offet, Relative

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Offsets Y-axis print origin plus or minus dot values from
current setting
NOTE: For entry of exact Y-Axis offsets, see the +OY
command.

Syntax <Esc>+ROY p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Direction

Where:
0 = increase
1 = decrease

p2 = Offset (default = 1)

2-131
!SA - Self Adjust

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c,
P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Initiates a printer self-adjust sequence or a returns

potentiometer values
NOTE: Except for P205 and P210 printers, this
command requires the prior installation of a 5-panel
YMCKO ribbon and works best with 10-mil cards. P205
and P210 printers Self Adjust without a ribbon installed.
Successful completion results in adjustment of all sensors
and voltages, confirmed by no errors indicated.

Syntax <Esc>!SA{ p1}

The !SAN command should be executed before using the
!SA to force a new adjustment sequence. Refer to the de-
scription of the !SAN command for further information.

Parameters p1 - Read/write mode

Where:
0/None = Perform adjustment sequence
1 = Return calibration values
Calibration values are returned to the host as a sequence
of ASCII decimal numerics separate by spaces. A
minimum of 8, and a maximum of 12 values will be
returned, depending on the printer configuration.
For the P330i, the values returned are:
1. Card position sensor active threshold in mV
2. Card position emitter power setting (0-255)
3. Ribbon color sensor #1 emitter power setting
(0-255)
4. Ribbon color sensor #2 emitter power setting
(0-255)
5. Desired ribbon take-up spool motor voltage (while
printing) in 0.1V units (e.g. 185 = 18.5V)
6. Ribbon motor power setting for printing (0-255)
(lower values indicate a higher voltage/power
setting)
7. Indeterminate value; not used
8. Card feed sensor emitter power level (0-255)
If the mag encoder option is installed:

2-132
 9. Mag encoder saturation threshold in mV
10. Mag encoder power setting (0-255)
If the external smart-card encoding option is installed:
11. Smart card station card position sensor active
threshold in mV
12. Smart card station card position emitter power
setting (0-255)
For all other printers, the values returned are:
1. Card position sensor active threshold in mV
2. Card position emitter power setting (0-255)
3. Ribbon color sensor active threshold in mV
4. Ribbon color sensor power setting (0-255)
5. Desired ribbon take-up spool motor voltage
(while printing) in 0.1V units (e.g. 185 = 18.5V)
6. Ribbon motor power setting for printing (0-255)
(lower values indicate a higher voltage/power
setting)
If the mag encoder option is installed:
7. Mag encoder saturation threshold in mV
8. Mag encoder power setting (0-255)

2-133
!SAN - Perform pre-calibration baseline testing

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P330i, P430i

Description This command performs a number of baseline sensor

measurements that are used by the !SA automatic
calibration command. To ensure proper printer
calibration, this command should always be executed
prior to executing !SA.
The ribbon panel-color sensors located near the
printhead are one of the sensors for which baseline
measurements are taken. Accurate measurement of
baseline response requires that the ribbon be removed.
The printer will signal an error if a ribbon is installed
when this command is executed.

Syntax <Esc>!SAN

Parameters (NONE

The !SAN command should be executed prior to using the

!SA automatic calibration command.

2-134
!SB - Check Stand-By Mode Settings

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns delay and temperature values established by the

+SB Command

Syntax <Esc># 1 !SB

Parameters None

2-135
+SB - Configure Laminator Stand-By Mode

Models Supported P720c

Description Establishes timing laminator entry into stand-by mode,

and sets roller temperature to maintain in stand-by mode.

Syntax <Esc># 1 +SB p1 p2

Parameters p1 = Idle period (seconds) before laminator enters

stand-by mode.
p2 = Laminator roller temperatures (°C) during stand-by
mode

Default <Esc># 1 +SB 1800 100

2-136
SDATA - Force immediate save of parameters

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Many of the printer parameters that can be set using the
various commands described in this reference are
backed up to the printers non-volatile memory on a
periodic basis; usually once every 10 minutes.
However, if parameters are changed and the printer is
powered down before the auto-save cycle has started,
the new values will not be saved, and the printer will
power up using the older settings.
The SDATA command can be used after modifying one
or more parameters to force a save operation. This
command is best used following a sequence of
parameter setting commands, so all the changes can be
saved in one write operation. The FLASH memory
used by the printer to save its settings can only tolerate a
finite number of write cycles, so the number of write
cycles that are initiated by SDATA should be restricted
to the minimum necessary.

Syntax <Esc>SDATA

Parameters None

2-137
!SERIE - Get Laminator Serial Number

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns serial number of P720 laminator

Syntax <Esc># 1 !SERIE

Parameters None

2-138
%SERIE - Get Printer Serial Number

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Every printer manufactured by Zebra Technologies is

assigned a unique serial number after passing
post-manufacturing quality and functional tests. This
command can be used to retrieve the serial number that
has been assigned to the printer unit as a whole.

Syntax <Esc>%SERIE

Parameters None

2-139
SF - Synchronize Film (Overlaminate)

Models Supported P520c, P520i

Description Positions P520 Overlaminate Lamination Ribbon with its

black index mark at sensor. This is a first-time ribbon
synchronization used to position a die-cut panel a known
offset from the Laminator Station of P520 card printers.
The command is only required for an initialization just
after installing an Overlaminate Ribbon. Subsequent
applications of die-cut Overlaminate panels occur via
offsets from the previous panel application.
NOTE: A Laminator previously set for the application of
Varnish (see TF Command) does not respond to this
command.

P520 Syntax <Esc># 1 SF

Parameters None

2-140
!SIDE - Check Lamination Mode

Models Supported P720c

Description Returns current setting for card side(s) laminated

Syntax <Esc># 1 !SIDE

Parameters None

Responses 0 = Single side top

1 = Double side
2 = Single side bottom

2-141
+SIDE - Set Lamination Mode

Models Supported P720c

Description Chooses between double- and single-side lamination

Syntax <Esc># 1 +SIDE p1{ p2}

Parameters p1 = Mode

Where:
0 = Single side
1 = Double side

p2 = Laminated side (Only needed for p1 = 0)

Where:
0 = Single side laminated faces up
1 = Single side laminated faces down
None =
Same as 0's for both parameters

2-142
&SVM - Disable/Enable Magnetic Encoding Verifi-
cations

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Disables or enables read-after-write checking of

magnetic stripe encodes

Syntax <Esc>&SVM p1

Parameters p1 = Disable/Enable

Where:
0 = Disable
1 = Enable (Default)

2-143
&T - Magnetic Encoder Card Eject

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Sends any single card in the Card Path positioned

between the Card Feeder and the Output Hopper to the
Output Hopper

Syntax <Esc>&T

Parameters None

2-144
+TC - Set Laminator Head Temperature

Models Supported P520c, P520i

Description For P520s, sets amount of heat applied in transferring

material or die-cut panels from the laminator ribbon to
the cards.

P520 Syntax <Esc># 1 +TC p1

Parameters p1 = Temperature (degrees C)

Where:
165 @ P520 overlaminate
155 @ P520 varnish

NOTE: Maximum settable temperature is 220o C.

2-145
TF - Film Type

Models Supported P520c, P520i

Description Specifies either Overlaminate or Varnish as the type of

Ribbon installed in the Laminator Station of P520s

Syntax <Esc># 1 TF p1

Parameters p1 = Type of Laminator Ribbon

Where:
0 = Varnish
1 = 1-mil Clear Overlaminate
10 = Hologram Varnish
12 = 0.6-mil Hologram Patch
13 = 1-mil Hologram Patch
19 = Full Alternated with Mag. Patches

2-146
T/vT - Draw Text (Monochrome/Overlay)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Downloads a single line of modified ANSI Windows

characters as text. See Appendix A for Character Map.
The “T” command downloads to the Resin Buffer, and
the “vT” command downloads to the Varnish Buffer.
A printer error occurs when text extends beyond the ad-
dressable buffer area. The resident fonts derive from pro-
portionally-spaced 100-point Bold and 100-point Normal.
Font kerning minimizes characters spacing.

Syntax <Esc>T p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 data

vT p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 data

Parameters p1 = Horizontal (X) Start Position in dots

p2 = Vertical (Y) Start Position in dots (position of lower
case descender, if used)
p3 = Rotation & Origin

Where:
Value Description Origin
0 No rotation Lower Left
1 90 degrees Lower Left
2 180 degrees Lower Left
3 270 degrees Lower Left
4 No rotation Centered
5 90 degrees Centered
6 180 degrees Centered
7 270 degrees Centered

p4 = Font selection

Where:
0 = 100 points Normal
1 = 100 points Bold

p5 = Horizontal (X-axis) Width (before rotation) of Text

(data string) Graphic in dots. If the value is zero the
text maintains normal font proportions and scales
according to the value of the Y-axis (p6) value.

2-147
T/vT - ASCII Text (Continued)
p6 = Vertical (Y-axis) Height (before rotation) of Text (data
string) Graphic in dots as measured from top of
ascender to bottom of decender

Examples:
For 28-point normal, p6 = 104
For 28-point bold, p6 = 140

NOTE: With p5 a “0,” fonts maintain normal proportions,

and just p6 determines font size.

p7 = Graphic Mode:

Where:
0 = Clear Print Area and load Reverse Bit Map
Image

1 = Clear Print Area and load Standard Bit Map

Image

2 = Overwrite Background Bit Map Image in

Printable Dot Locations, leaving Non-Printing
Dot Locations alone

data =
A single line of Modified ANSI Text Data. See
Appendix A for the font characters supported.
The printer interprets the <Space> Character as a Com-
mand Field Delimiter and the <Enter> character as a Com-
mand Terminator. However, except as the first character,
the <Space> character may be used within a Text Data
String without invoking its Delimiter Function.

To use the <Space> character at the beginning of a Text

Data Field, the Leading Bracket character ( “[” Dec. 91 or
5B Hex.) must be added as the first character of the Text
String. Also, to print a Leading Bracket Character two Lead-
ing Bracket Characters must be entered.

2-148
V - Check Printer Type/Version

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command serves to check the model (and options)

of a printer. Serial Port connected printers respond with
a Model Number (all designators included) and
Firmware Version.
Parallel Port Connected printers respond via the PAPER
ERROR and ERROR/ lines of the Centronics Port.

Syntax <Esc>V{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Optional Configuration Parameter (for Parallel I/O)

P310/P320, P420, P520, and P720 Printers)

Where:
None = Returns Printer Type and Firmware
Version.
10 = No error if P310/P320
12 = No error if Magnetic Encoder
13 = No error if Smart Card Docking
14 = No error if Card Flip
20 = No error if Edge-to-Edge Printing
50 = No error if Monochrome Printer
70 = No error if P520
81 = No error if P720
90 = No error if printer also has USB Interface

2-149
!V - Return Operational Parameter

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Returns value for a selected parameter

Syntax <Esc>!V{ p1}

Parameters p1 = Requested parameter

Where for printer module:

None =
Black Printing Parameters
0 = Black Printing Parameters
1 = X Offset
2 = Y Offset
3 = Black Contrast
4 = Varnish Contrast
5 = Hologram Contrast
6 = Yellow Contrast
7 = Magenta Contrast
8 = Cyan Contrast
9 = Kdye Intensity
10 = Yellow Intensity
11 = Magenta Intensity
12 = Cyan Intensity
13 = Kdye Intensity
14 = p1 setting for SXY Command
0 = Origin Offset
1 = No Origin Offset
15 = Print Head Resistance
16 = Black Speed
17 = Varnish Speed
18 = p1 setting for +EC Command
19 = Smart Card Offset
20 = Magnetic Encoder:
0 = Not Connected
1 = Connected
21 = Coercivity Setting:
0 = LOCO
1 = HICO
22 = Magnetic Encoding Format:
0 = JIS2
1 = ISO
23 = Encoder Head Placement:
0 = Below Card Path
1 = Above Card Path

2-150
+V - Black Print Speed

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Allows a reduction in print speed for black printing,

which affects print quality and throughput

Syntax <Esc>+V p1

Parameters p1 = Speed Value

Where:
p1 = 1 ~ 25 (Default = 4)

Note: 1 is fast
9 is slow.

2-151
+VL - Set Lamination Speed

Models Supported P520c, P520i, P720cP520c, P520i, P720c

Description This command determines the speed that cards pass

through the Lamination Rollers. An attempt to enhance
performance by increasing speed here in concert with a
higher Lamination Temperature can result in
heat-distorted cards. Card distortion can produce errors
when reading Encoded Magnetic Stripes.

Syntax <Esc># 1 +VL p1

Parameters p1 = Speed

Where:
For 1-mil overlaminate ribbon:
p1 = 4500 (default — 4.8mm/s)

For 0.6-mil overlaminate ribbon:

p1 = 2000 (11mm/s)

2-152
!W - Move Card Backward 8 cm

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description If a card is present in the printer mechanism, it is moved

backward 8 cm. The card transport motor is activated
even if a card is not present within the mechanism. This
command is typically used to test the operation of the
card transport mechanism..

Syntax <Esc>!W

Parameters None

2-153
&W - Change Encoding Direction

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Change the direction that the Encoder starts writing and
reading operations.

Syntax <Esc>&W p1

Parameters p1 = Direction Select:

Where:
0 = Forward
1 = Reverse

2-154
>W - Write Data To Smart Card Serial Port

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description This command is used to send data to the smart card

serial port. Up to 1024 bytes of data may be sent with a
single invocation of the command.

Syntax <Esc>>W p1 data

Parameters p1 - Communication mode:

0 = Contact-type smart card
1 = Contactless smart card

Data - Data to send to the smart card serial port. Up to

1024 bytes of data may be sent. See note below
for important considerations on how the data field
should be constructed.
Some of the rules that apply to uploading image bitmaps
also apply to the data field for this command. Any data
byte that matches the command lead-in character (ESC,
0x1B) or the end-of-command character (CR, 0x0D) or
the control escape character(‘[‘, 0x5Bh) must be prefixed
with the ‘[‘ control escape character. A data pair consisting
of a ‘[‘ character followed by another character will only
count as 1 character for purposes of determining when the
1024-character data limit is reached. The ‘[‘ prefix charac-
ters (if used/needed) will be stripped out of the data stream
sent to the smart card serial port.

2-155
>WB - Write Data Formatted in ASCII HEX To
Smart Card Serial Port

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description This command, like the >W command, is used to send

data to the smart card serial port. Unlike the >W
command, the data field for this command is assumed to
be a series of 1 or 2 digit ASCII hexadecimal numbers
separate by spaces. Each 1 or 2 digit ASCII hex value is
converted to a 8-bit value and sent to the serial port..
Valid ASCII hexadecimal values consist of 1 or 2 digits
consisting of the characters 0 through 9 and ‘a’ through
‘f’. Uppercase ‘A’ through ‘F’ digits are also allowed.
Each value must be prefixed by one and only one space.
The examples below illustrate both valid and invalid data
streams:
Valid:
05 3a F7 b5 a 94 C 0D AA cd
Invalid:
053a 67 (more than 2 digits w/o intervening space)
05 2g 24 (invalid digit ‘g’)
27 d4 51 (more than 1 space between values)

Syntax <Esc>>WB p1 data

Parameters p1 - Communication mode:

0 = Contact-type smart card
1 = Contactless smart card
Data - ASCII hexadecimal data stream, as described
above.
The command input buffer for the printer is limited to 1024
bytes. A typical ASCII hexadecimal value will consume ei-
ther 2 or 3 bytes of buffer space per value, thus the number
of bytes that can be sent to the smart card interface with a
single command is limited to no less than 340 and no more
than 512 bytes.

2-156
>WG - Contact Internal Gemplus Smart Card
Write Command

Models Supported P330i, P430i

Description Write data into the Gemplus internal smart card. The
data field for this command is assumed to be a series of
1 or 2 digit ASCII hexadecimal values separated by a
space. Each 1 or 2 digit ASCII hex value is converted to
an 8-bit value and sent to the smart card reader.

Syntax <Esc>>WG p1 p2 data

Parameters p1:
0 = Contact smart card.
p2:
0 = Connect serial communication port to contact
smart card reader.

2-157
!X - Check Command Initiator

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i,
P520c, P520i, P720c
The card printer responds to commands (with data or error
codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a test environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and com-
municating with the printer. The printer CPU board has as-
sociated connectors.

Description This command checks for an alternate command initiator.

The printer either reports the alternate command
initiation character or nothing.

Syntax <Esc>!X

Parameters None

2-158
+X - Change Command Initiation Character

Models Supported P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i, P330i, P420c, P420i,

P430i

The card printer responds to commands (with data or error

codes) via the bi-directional serial interface only. Printers
with parallel interfaces cannot respond to this command,
(other than flagging an error). In a test environment, card
printers can operate with both interfaces attached and
communicating with the printer. The printer CPU board
has associated connectors.

Description This command adds an alternate command initiation

character. Some host systems cannot transmit an escape
command character. The printer responds to both the
escape character and the added command initiation
character.
NOTE: Never use X as a Command Initiator.

Syntax <Esc>+X p1

Parameters p1 = A single ASCII character

NOTE: The single character specified for p1 must fall

within the ASCII code range 33 - 255 (decimal) or
21 - FF (hexadecimal).

Where:
p1 = 33~255 Decimal
p1 = 21~FF Hexadecimal

NOTE: To remove an alternate command initiation

character, send +X with p1 < 20Hex (except for
0DHex). A NACK response results, with error code 10
(Syntax Error). The command initiator character will
revert to <Esc> (0x1B).

2-159
!Z - Re-Synchronize Card

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Prior to printing a card, it must be carefully positioned

relative to the print head to ensure that the printed image
is properly aligned on the card. This process is typically
done automatically when a card is fed in (such as when
the MI command is used). This command can be used if
needed to ensure that a previously fed-in card is properly
positioned under the print head prior to printing.

Syntax <Esc>!Z

Parameters None

2-160
Z/vZ - Load Bit-map (Monochrome)

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Downloads a Monochrome Bit Map into a Monochrome

Image Buffer. The printer uses a preceding “G”
Command to specify and control bit-map placement.
The Z command places the bit-map in a buffer used for
Resin Printing, and the vZ command places the bit-map
in a buffer used for Varnish Printing.

Syntax <Esc>Zdata{ CHECKSUM}

<Esc>vZdata{ CHECKSUM}
NOTE: No space (20 Hex.) exists between the “Z/vZ” and
the “data.”

Parameters data =
Uncompressed or Compressed Monochrome
Bit-Map data. The Bit-Map data must match the size
and dimensions specified in the proceeding “G”
command.

See Section 1 for the relationship on how

Monochrome Bit-Maps relate to data.
CHECKSUM =
Single byte of XOR data generated from the Image
Data. If CHECKSUM is specified by the related G/vG
Command, a Checksum must be included here.

Remember, any chance Control Characters that appear

among the data require a preceding Open Bracket ([) Char-
acter. Control characters include Escape (1B hex), Return
(OD hex), and the Open Bracket (5B hex).

2-161
Z/vZ - Load Bit-map Monochrome (Continued)

Example The following commands and figure shows a “G”

Command followed by an associated “Z” Command
containing data for the Image Buffer.

<Esc>G 200 200 0 2 15 1

<Esc>Z data

Figure 2-8 1 Byte

Image Object &
Hexadecimal Code 1B 5A EscZ
00 00
00 00
00 00
00 00
03 F0
0F FC
1F FE
3F
3F
FF
FF
Data
7F FF
7F FF
7F FF
FC 0F
F0 03
E0 01
OD
CR

2-162
. - Clear Error Status Lines

Models Supported P110i, P120i, P205, P210i, P310c, P310f, P310i, P320i,
P330i, P420c, P420i, P430i, P520c, P520i, P720c

Description Clears the paper error (paper fault) and error (fault)
printer return signal status lines. Note that this command
does not execute when sent via the driver. Send the
command directly to the parallel port.

Syntax <Esc>. (period character)

Parameters None

Executing the <Esc> . command will not clear any dis-

played error message from LCD or LED displays.

2-163
2-164
 Appendix A

This section contains a listing of all fonts, bar codes, and

their respective character sets supported by the EPCL
Card Printer Programming Language.

A-1
 Resident Fonts The Programming Language supports 2 different fonts;
Arial Normal and Arial Bold. The Fonts are proportionally
generated by the printer from 100 Point Normal and 100
Point Bold font descriptions.

Hexadecimal - Most Significant Digit

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
0 @ P ` p € À Ð à ð
0
0 16 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 144 160 176 192 208 224 240
! 1 A Q a q Á Ñ á ñ
1
1 17 33 49 65 81 97 113 129 145 161 177 193 209 225 241
" 2 B R b r Â Ò â ò
2
2 18 34 50 62 82 98 114 130 146 162 178 194 210 226 242
# 3 C S c s £ Ã Ó ã ó
3
3 19 35 51 63 83 99 115 131 147 163 179 195 211 227 243
Hexadecimal - Least Significant Digit

$ 4 D T d t Ä Ô ä ô
4
4 20 36 52 64 84 100 116 132 148 164 180 196 212 228 244
% 5 E U e u Å Õ å õ
5
5 21 37 53 69 85 101 117 133 149 165 181 197 213 229 245
& 6 F V f v Æ Ö æ ö
6
6 22 38 54 70 86 102 118 134 150 166 182 198 214 230 246
' 7 G W g w Ç × ç ÷
7
7 23 39 55 71 87 103 119 135 151 167 183 199 215 231 247
( 8 H X h x È Ø è ø
8
8 24 40 56 72 88 104 120 136 152 168 184 200 216 232 248
) 9 I Y I y É Ù é ù
9
9 25 41 57 73 89 106 121 137 153 169 185 201 217 233 349
* : J Z j z Š š º Ê Ú ê ú
A
10 26 42 58 74 90 107 122 138 154 170 186 202 218 234 250
+ ; K [ k Ë Û ë û
B
11 27 43 59 75 91 108 123 139 155 171 187 203 219 235 251
, < L \ l Œ œ Ì Ü ì ü
C
12 28 44 60 76 92 109 124 140 156 172 188 204 220 236 252
- = M ] m Í Ý í ý
D
13 29 45 61 77 93 110 125 141 157 173 189 205 221 237 253
. > N ^ n Î Þ î þ
E
14 30 46 62 78 94 111 126 142 158 174 190 206 222 238 254
/ ? O _ o Ÿ ¿ Ï ß ï ÿ
F
15 31 47 63 79 95 112 127 143 159 175 191 207 223 239 255

Code 39 Code 39 encodes Alphanumeric Characters using five

(Code 3 of 9) bars and four spaces. Of the nine, three are wide. The
Ratio ®) determines wide-to-narrow bar and space
widths. The minimum for a Narrow Bar or Space is three
dots or 0.010 inch (0.254 mm).
Supported Ratios of narrow bar to wide bar widths are:
2:1, 5:2 (2.5:1), and 3:1.

To calculate the full length of a Code 39 Bar Code:

L = [ ©+2) (3R + 7) - 1] X

A-2
 Where:
L = Length of Bar Code
C = Number of Characters
R = Ratio of wide to narrow bars
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.0847 mm per dot)
For the 5:2 ratio, the X = Dots times 2
The specified minimum recommended height is 0.25
inches (6.35 mm) or 75 dots. The recommend Quiet
Zone is 0.25 inches (6.35mm or 75 dots) or, when
larger, 10 times X.
The set of Characters (49) for Code 39 are as follows:

Hexadecimal - Most Significant Digit

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0 P
0 0 16 32 96 112
48 64 80
1 A Q
1 1 17 33 97 113
49 65 81
2 B R
2 2 18 34 98 114
50 62 82
3 C S
3 3 9 35 99 115
51 63 83
Hexadecimal - Least Significant Digit

4 D T
4 4 20 36 100 116
52 64 84
% 5 E U
5 5 21 101 117
37 53 69 85
6 F V
6 6 22 38 102 118
54 70 86
7 G W
7 7 23 39 103 119
55 71 87
8 H X
8 8 24 40 104 120
56 72 88
9 I Y
9 9 25 41 106 121
57 73 89
* J Z
A 10 26 58 107 122
42 74 90
+ K
B 11 27 59 91 108 123
43 75
L
C 12 28 44 60 92 109 124
76
- M
D 13 29 61 93 110 125
45 77
. N
E 14 30 62 94 111 126
46 78
/ O
F 15 31 63 95 112 127
47 79

A-3
 Standard 2 of 5 The 2 of 5 Code Symbology encodes all information in
(Code 2/5) the width of the bars. Spaces carry no information . Bars
are wide or narrow and the Wide Bars are set by the
Ratio ®). Spaces are the same width as the narrow bars.
2 of 5 Code supports the numeric characters:
0 through 9
The supported ratio of narrow bar to wide bar widths are:
2:1, 5:2 (2.5:1), and 3:1.
To calculate the full length of a 2 of 5 Bar Code:

L = [ C (2R + 8) + 14] X

Where:
L = Length of bar code
C = Number of characters
R = Ratio of wide to narrow bars
(For 5:2, R = 2.5)
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)
For 5:2 ratio, the X = Dots times 2

The specified minimum recommended height of a Code

2/5 Bar Code is 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or 75 dots. The
recommend “Quiet Zone” is 0.25" (6.35mm or 75 dots)
or, when larger, 10 times X.

A-4
Interleaved 2 of 5 The name Interleaved 2 of 5 derives from the method
(Code I 2/5) used to encode two characters. The Bar Code Symbol
pairs two characters, using bars to represent the first
character and the interleaved spaces to represent the
second character. Therefore, each character has two
definitions, one for bars and the other for spaces. Each
consists of two wide elements and three narrow
elements. Bars and spaces are wide or narrow and the
wide bars are set by the Ratio ®).
Interleaved Two of Five Code supports the numeric
characters:
0 through 9
The printer automatically adds a leading Zero (0)
Character) to Code I 2/5 Bar Codes with an odd number
of Bar Code Data Characters.
The supported ratio of narrow bar to wide bar widths
are: 2:1, 2:5 (2.5:1), and 3:1.
To calculate the full length of an I 2/5 Bar Code:

L = [ C (2R + 3) + 6 + R ] X

Where:
L = Length of bar code
C = Number of characters
R = Ratio of wide to narrow bars (5:2=2.5)
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per
dot (0.08847 mm per dot)

Where:
The minimum recommended height of a Code I 2/5 Bar
Code is 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or 75 dots. Ideally the
Bar Code Height should be 15% of the Bar Code
Length. The recommend “Quiet Zone” is 0.25"
(6.35mm or 75 dots) or, when larger, 10 times X.

A-5
 UPC-A UPC (Universal Product Code version A) is the basic
version of UPC and is usually the version seen on grocery
store items in the United States. The symbology encodes
10-digit Universal Product Code numbers. An eleventh
digit, at the beginning, indicates the Type of Product, and
a twelfth digit is a Module Check Digit.
The UPC Code Number and check digit are assigned by:
Uniform Code Council (UCC)
8163 Old Yankee Rd., Ste. J, Dayton, OH 45458 Phone
(513) 435-3870; Fax: (513) 435-4749
UPC-A code supports the numeric characters:
0 through 9
The printer ignores the Ratio Command Parameter
(narrow bar to wide bar width).
The equation to calculate the UPC-A Bar Code length is:

L = (91) X

Where:
L = Length of bar code
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)

UPC-A Bar Code Height, by specification, is six

individual UPC-A bar code characters high. The following
equation can be used to calculate the Industry Specified
Height in dots.

H = (42) X

Where:
H = Height of Bar Code in dots
X = Bar Code Multiplier

Multiply the height of the bar code in dots by 0.0033

inches per dot (0.08847 mm per dot) to get the actual
height of the Bar Code .

A-6
EAN-8 European Article Numbering, now also called IAN
(International Article Numbering), is the International
Standard Bar Code for retail food packages,
corresponding to the Universal Product Code (UPC) in
the United States. The symbology encodes a seven-digit
EAN-8 number. The printer automatically generates an
eighth Check Digit.
Numerous international agencies assign EAN Code
Numbers and Check Digits. See the list at the end of this
appendix.
EAN-8 Code supports the numeric characters:
0 through 9
The printer ignores the Ratio Command Parameter
(narrow bar to wide bar width).
The equation to calculate the EAN-8 Bar Code Length
is:

L = (67) X

Where:
L = Length of bar code
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)

EAN-8 Bar Code Height, by specification, is six (6)

individual EAN-8 bar code characters high. The
following equation can be used to calculate the Industry
Specified Height in dots.

H = (42) X

Where:
H = Height of Bar Code in Dots
X = Bar Code Multiplier

Multiply the height of the Bar Code in dots by 0.0033

inches per dot (0.08847 mm per dot) to get the actual
Bar Code Height.

A-7
 EAN-13 EAN-13 is one of two versions of the European Article
Numbering system (EAN) and is a super set of UPC.
EAN-13 has the same number of bars as UPC Version A,
but encodes a 13th digit. The 12th and 13th digits define
the Country Code. The codes 00-04 and 06-09 are
assigned to the United States.
Numerous international agencies assign the EAN-13
Code Numbers. See the list at the end of this appendix.
EAN-13 Code supports the numeric characters:
0 through 9
The printer ignores the Ratio Command Parameter
(narrow bar to wide bar width).
The equation to calculate the EAN-13 bar code length is:

L = (98) X

Where:
L = Length of Bar Code
X = Number of dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)

EAN-13 Bar Code Height, by specification, equals six

individual EAN-13 Bar Code Characters. The following
equation can be used to calculate the Industry Specified
Height in dots.

H = (42) X

Where:
H = Height of Bar Code in dots
X = Bar Code Multiplier

Multiply the height of the Bar Code in dots by 0.0033

inches per dot (0.08847 mm per dot) to get the actual
Bar Code Height.

A-8
 Code 128 Code 128 is a high density Alphanumeric Bar Code.
Subsets B & C Zebra printers in Code 128 B Mode encode single digit
alphanumerics as single Bar Code Characters. The
printer in Code 128 C Mode encodes two numeric digits
as a Single Bar Code Character.
The printer accepts ASCII input data and encodes with a
Code 128 Bar Code Value (or digit). The following table
shows the Code 128 B Encoded Value and
corresponding ASCII Characters supported by the
printers. Code 128 C encodes numeric ASCII pairs (i.e.,
0 & 5 would encode to the single Code 128 C digit 05.
The printers automatically add a leading zero character
to data specifying an odd number of Code 128 C Bar
Code Characters.
The percentile (%) character must precede another
percentile character to encode.
Example: %% = %

Encoded Code Code Code Encoded Code Code Code Encoded Code Code Code
Value A B C Value A B C Value A B C
0 SP SP 00 37 E E 37 74 LF j 74
1 ! ! 01 38 F F 38 75 VT k 75
2 " " 02 39 G G 39 76 FF l 76
3 # # 03 40 H H 40 77 CR m 77
4 $ $ 04 41 I I 41 78 SO n 78
5 % % 05 42 J J 42 79 SI o 79
6 & & 06 43 K K 43 80 DLE p 80
7 ' ' 07 44 L L 44 81 DC1 q 81
8 ( ( 08 45 M M 45 82 DC2 r 82
9 ) ) 09 46 N N 46 83 DC3 s 83
10 * * 10 47 O O 47 84 DC4 t 84
11 + + 11 48 P P 48 85 NAK u 85
12 , , 12 49 Q Q 49 86 SYN v 86
13 - - 13 50 R R 50 87 ETB w 87
14 . . 14 51 S S 51 88 CAN x 88
15 / / 15 52 T T 52 89 EM y 89
16 0 0 16 53 U U 53 90 SUB z 90
17 1 1 17 54 V V 54 91 ESC { 91
18 2 2 18 55 W W 55 92 FS | 92
19 3 3 19 56 X X 56 93 GS } 93
20 4 4 20 57 Y Y 57 94 RS ~ 94
21 5 5 21 58 Z Z 58 95 US DEL 95
22 6 6 22 59 [ [ 59 96 FNC3 FNC3 96
23 7 7 23 60 \ \ 60 97 FNC2 FNC2 97
24 8 8 24 61 ] ] 61 98 SHIFT SHIFT 98
25 9 9 25 62 ^ ^ 62 99 CodeC CodeC 99
26 : : 26 63 _ _ 63 100 CodeB FNC4 CodeB
27 ; ; 27 64 NUL . 64 101 FNC4 CodeA CodeA
28 < < 28 65 SOH a 65 102 FNC1 FNC1 FNC1
29 = = 29 66 STX b 66 103 Start A Start A Start A
30 > > 30 67 ETX c 67 104 Start B Start B Start B
31 ? ? 31 68 EOT d 68 105 Start C Start C Start C
32 @ @ 32 69 ENQ e 69
33 A A 33 70 ACK f 70
34 B B 34 71 BEL g 71
35 C C 35 72 BS h 72
36 D D 36 73 HT i 73

The printer ignores the Ratio Command Parameter

(narrow bar to wide bar width).

A-9
 The equation to calculate the Code 128 B Bar Code
length is:

L = [ C (11) + 24] X

Where:
L = Length of bar code
C = Number of characters & checksum character
X = Number of Dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)

The equation to calculate the Code 128 C Bar Code

Length is:

L = [ (11 C) / 2) + 24 ] X

Where:
L = Length of Bar Code
C = Number of characters (rounded up to the
next even digit) & checksum char-
acter
X = Number of dots times 0.0033 inches per dot
(0.08847 mm per dot)

The minimum recommended height of a Code 128 bar

code is 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or 75 dots. Ideally the Bar
Code Height should be 15% of the Bar Code Length.
The recommend “Quiet Zone” is 0.25 inches (6.35mm or
75 dots) or, when larger, 10 times X.

A-10
EAN International General Specifications for the Article Symbol Marking
Regulation (1987), EAN Prefix List
EAN International (EAN)
Agencies Rue Royale 29, B-1000 Bruxelles (Belgium)
Reinhold Van Lennep, Secretary General
prEN 797 Bar coding - Symbology specifications -
EAN/UPC
NNI
P.O. Box 5059, NL-2600 GB DELFT
THE NETHERLANDS
ANSI
11 West 42nd Street, 13th floor
New York, N.Y. 10036, USA
Australian EAN Coding Authority
Australian Product Numbering Association, Ltd. (APNA),
Unit 8, 417 Femtree Gully Rd.
Mount Waverlet, Vidoria 3149, Australia
England EAN Coding Authority
Article Numbering Assoc. (UK) Ltd. (ANA)
11 Kingsway
London WC2B 6AR, England
Japan EAN Coding Authority
Distribution Code Center (DCC)
No. 3 TOC-Bldg.7-23-1
Nishigotanda, Shinagawaku, Tokyo 141, Japan
Mexico EAN Coding Authority
Asociacion Mexicana del Codigo de Producto (AMECOP)
Horatio,1855-6O, Col. Polanco, DFCP 11570, Mexico
New Zealand EAN Coding Authority
New Zealand Product Number Association, Ltd.
PO Box 11-110, Wellington, New Zealand
South Africa EAN Coding Authority
South Africa Numbering Association
PO Box 41417, Craighall, 2024, Johannesburg, South Af-
rica

A-11
A-12
 Appendix B

This section contains Status and Error Reporting

information for Color and Monochrome Card Printers.

Parallel Port The Busy and Acknowledge signal lines transfer data to
Printer Data the printer only.
Handshake Signal
Lines

Parallel Port The Color Card Printers respond to Error Conditions

Printer Error with combinations of the Error and Paper Error signals
at the Parallel Interface. Detailed Error Responses are
Response sent via the Serial Port only.

Paper Error Error Description

0 1 No Error
0 0 Syntax Error
1 1 Ribbon End or Empty
Feeder
1 0 Mechanical Error
NOTE: To clear an Error, Send:
<Esc>.<Enter> (1B 2E 0D Hex)

Serial Port Printer Some programs use Acknowledge (ACK) and Not
Data Handshake Acknowledge (NACK) to display these communication
protocol responses. The ACK response signals
Command Accepted, Waiting for Command. The NACK
response signals an Error or Check Status condition

B-1
 exists and typically includes a corresponding error or
status code. The NACK can also signify an Input Buffer
Full condition.

Serial Port Printer The printers respond, via the Serial Port, to various
Error Response conditions with Status and Error Codes.
Status and Error Responses have the following format:
(NACK)05(EOT) - Card in Magnetic Encoder.

B-2
Code Error Status Condition
-1 • Mechanical Error - Printer
01 • Ribbon Broken/Missing
02 • Temperature
03 • Mechanical
04 • Feeder Empty
05 • Card In Encoder
06 • Card Not In Encoder
07 • Cover or head latch open, or
cleaning in progress
08 • Printer busy
09 • Remove ribbon (reg during
cleaning)
10 • Invalid Command or
Parameter
11 • Invalid Coordinates
(Image placement)
12 • Unknown Bar Code
Reference
13 • Unknown Text/Font
Reference
14 • Unknown Command
15 • Invalid bar code size
20 • Bar Code Data Syntax
21 • Text Data Syntax
22 • Graphic Data Syntax
30 • Graphic Image
Initialization - Failed
31 • Graphic Image Maximum
Width Exceeded
32 • Graphic Image Maximum
Height Exceeded
33 • Graphic Image Data
Checksum Error
34 • Data Transfer Time-out
35 • Check ribbon
40 • Parameter/Syntax
41 • Mag. Encoder Write
42 • Mag. Encoder Read/Verify
43 • Mag. Encoder Mechanical
44 • Mag. Encoder Not
Responding
45 • 1) Magnetic Stripe Missing
2) Card Jam
50 • Card flipper jam
60 • FLASH write error
61 • End of ribbon

B-3
B-4
 Appendix C

This section contains information for operation and

formatting for the magnetic stripe encoder.

Magnetic Encoders All printers with encoders write and read ANSI 4.16 and
ISO 7811/2/3. Encoder track positions are fixed and
cannot be modified.
Two encoder read write head mounting options exist:

Below the Card Path—The standard mounting that

supports down-facing magnetic stripes when loading
cards

Above the Card Path—An optional mounting that

supports up-facing magnetic stripes when loading cards.
The read-write heads are positioned just beyond the
print head for both options

Forward
Recording
Direction
Recording Area

Encoder Operation

C-1
 The encoder executes commands received one at a time.
When the encoder receives a command, it performs the
requested action and reports the result. The printer
cannot execute a new encoder command prior to
completion of the previous encoder command. Detailed
encoder (and general printer) status Information is
reported to the host via an optional serial interface port
only. See Appendix B for a detailed listing of printer and
encoder responses.

Write The encoder, in default configuration, can write in the

forward or reverse directions and then automatically
perform a write-verifying data read. The printer then
repositions the card to the print-ready position. Note that
for ISO encoding, the encoder attaches the start, stop,
and LRC characters, which should not be included in
data downloads.

Read The encoder can only read (back to the host) a single
track of data at a time. The &L command performs
read-only operations, see command reference, page
2-73.
However, the “M or m” commands can serve as linking
operators for several read commands. The encoder
performs each command in the string until completion of
the command string. An error terminates an “M”
Command string, while command execution resumes
with error correction for an “m” Command string. The
“M” command concatenates the read data into a single
response to the host.
Example of Multiple Read Command String
(Escape and carriage returns not shown)

Track 1 data = 1111

Track 2 data = 2222
Track 3 data = 3333
Multiple read command string is:

<Esc>M 1 &L1[&L2[&L3
Data sent to the host, in a single response:
111122223333

C-2
 Data Errors The encoder retries, up to six times, any read or write
(write-verify read) operation, before reporting an error.

Encoder Default The encoder reads and writes standard ANSI/ISO track
Configuration data formats in the standard ANSI/ISO track locations.
The following shows the three standard ANSI/ISO tracks.

Track 1 - 210 bpi

Track 2 - 75 bpi
Track 3 - 210 bpi

Each track can be encoded and decoded with ASCII

characters in the standard default ANSI/ISO data
formats.

Track Density Data Format Data Characters Data

Separator
7 Bit Space $ ( ) - / Enter
1 210 BPI (6 data, 1 parity) 0 through 9 ^
A through Z (All Caps)
2 75 BPI 5 Bit 0 through 9 =
(4 data, 1 parity)
3 210 BPI 5 Bit 0 through 9 =
(4 data, 1 parity)

The ANSI/ISO data formats include a preamble (all

zeros), a start character, data (7-bit or 5-bit as specified
by ANSI/ISO), a stop character, and a longitudinal
redundancy check character. The 7-bit data format has
6 bits of encoded data and a parity bit. The 5-bit data
format has 4 bits of encoded data and a parity bit.
The ANSI/ISO data formats include a data field
separator (or delimiter) that allows parsing of the
encoded track data. An example of separate data fields
would be the American Bankers Association (ABA) data
format (normally located on track 2) that includes a
primary account number (PAN) field and an account
information field (for expiration date, country code,
etc.).
The encoder reports a data error when the total number of
data characters exceeds the maximum allowed by physical
encoding (bit density) and the data format in any read or
write data function.

C-3
 Basic Commands All card printers with encoders, perform the basic
functions of reading and writing to ANSI/ISO tack and
data formats. The commands for these basic encoder
functions are as follows:

Basic Encoder Commands Page

&E Encode Single Data Track 2-47
&B Buffer Single Track Data 2-5
&E* Encode All Data Tracks 2-48
&L Read Single Track Data 2-73

Advanced Encoder Printers with magnetic stripe encoders have an expanded

Commands encoder command set. These commands allow
programmers to create custom data and track formats.
The encoder can be programmed to read and write
custom data and formats. The encoder can be
programmed to use standard ANSI/ISO data formats on
one or other ANSI/ISO track locations. For example, the
encoder can be programmed to read and write ANSI/ISO
track 3 data format on track 1. When in this mode, the
advanced encoder commands support encoding of and
decoding to host with ASCII character data. The encode
automatically adds the selected ANSI/ISO data
formatting. The encoder reports errors when reading and
writing in this mode.
The encoder does not accept ASCII characters that are not
part of the selected ANSI/ISO data character set. See Page
C-3 for a table containing the character sets.

The following lists the advanced encoder commands:

Advanced Encoder Commands

&R Reset encoder 2-118
&B Buffer track data 2-5
&L Read single track data 2-73
&W Change encoding direction 2-154
&D Change track density 2-40
&CDEW Custom write format 2-25
&CDER Custom read format 2-5

The encoder does not write data unless the read buffer is
programmed to read identical data parameters. Otherwise,
an error occurs.

C-4
 Resetting The To ensure a proper encoder configuration, the
Encoder To programmer should reset the encoder to ANSI/ISO track
data, format, density and location.
ANSI/ISO Track
Defaults
Reset the encoder to ANSI/ISO defaults with the
following command sequence.

Example: (escape and carriage returns not shown)

&R
&CDEW 0 0
&CDER 0 0
The encoder stores the track settings in flash memory. If the
encoder is powered down, the printer retains the last
encoder read, write, and track density settings.

Change Track The &D command allows changes in the density of a

Density track. &D command changes occur to a given track
density without changing the related data format or
character set. See command reference &D, page 2-40,
for command details.

Changing Read The &CDER command serves to change the read data
Configuration format configuration. This command can configure a
given track to:
• Its ANSI/ISO data format.
• Change it to another ANSI/ISO track format.
• Allow forward or reverse data reads.
• Change to raw data format, which has custom track data
formatting and data block encoding.
The &L read command needs to be configured to read raw
(or hexadecimal) custom data.

Changing Write The &CDEW command allows changes to the read data
Configurations format configuration. This command can configure a
given track to:
• Its ANSI/ISO data format.
• Change to another ANSI/ISO track format.

C-5
 • Change to raw data format having custom track data
format and data block encoding.
The &B read command needs to be configured to store to
write raw (or hexadecimal) custom data.

Custom ISO Data The encoder can be configured to process ISO track data
in non-ISO track locations. The printer interprets and
processes the ASCII data normally. The custom data
control commands are &D (track density), &CDER (read
data format) and the &CDEW (write data format).
The printer automatically read-verifies after a write, so all
three commands (&D, &CDER, and &CDEW) must be
properly configured to function without reporting a data
error.

C-6
Unique Custom The encoder is capable of reading and writing
Data Formats non-ANSI/ISO data. The data block and the track data
string formatting is “stripped away” and “passed
through” the encoder (and printer) without error
checking, encoding, or decoding. The host sends and
receives raw hexadecimal data strings.
Each hexadecimal block sent to the encoder represents a
block of magnetic card encoded data. The encoder
stripes the most significant bits of the data blocks off of
each hexadecimal block.

Raw Hexadecimal
FF AA Encoded as
Encode (1111 1111) (1010 1010) 6 bit on Card
111111101010
Decode
3F 2A
(0011 1111) (0010 1010)
Decoded Hexadecimal

Raw hexadecimal data, when encoded, requires the

following elements in the final binary data string:
• Preamble data—The minimum number of leading bi-
nary “0” bits (i.e., NUL characters). Note: the NUL (00
hexadecimal) is normally sent to the printer with a char-
acter like the @ symbol (40 hexadecimal) and is en-
coded as all zero bits in 6 (or lower) Bit Data Mode.
75bpi - 20 min., 24 nominal, 1024 max.
210bpi - 40 min., 68 nominal, 1024 max.
• Start Bit—The first binary “1” bit detected starts data
block grouping. The LSB (least significant bit) of the first
character sited in a data block is the start bit.
• NUL Data Block—Without NULs enabled, the
encoder terminates the data string or causes the data
string to restart with a new start bit, a data block with a
“1’s” bit.
• NUL Data Block with NULs enabled—Allows the
inclusion of NUL data character blocks within the data
string.
• Postamble—binary “0” bits, (i.e., NUL characters) fill
remainder of track.

C-7
Zebra Technologies Corporation

980471- 001