Ref: "ProgGuide1_7.docx"
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Document Revision: “1.7”
Document Date: “11 Sep. 2013”
Introduction
This Programmers Guide provides a description of the software commands supported by the:
Ap1300 and Ap1310 Battery Operated Portable Packaged Printers
Ap1310DP and Ap1310DC Direct Power Packaged Printers
Ap863-F Packaged Printer with various power options,
Ap1200 Panel Mounting Packaged Printer
It also contains some specific information relating to the:
ATB102
OEM Printer interface for the EPSON M-T102 (& M-T102A)
ATB1200 OEM Printer interface for the APS ELM205 mechanism
The firmware in all these products is largely compatible across the range, and also with earlier
versions of printers (e.g.: Ap824, Ap842, Ap824-B, Ap842-B, Ap860-B, Ap862-B, Ap863).
A User Guide, which contains connection data and details of operation, is available for each product
and should be read in conjunction with this document. Please see individual User Guides for more
specific details of each product.
Throughout this Programmers Guide the term "Printer" should be taken to refer to all products
where no distinction is necessary from the point of view of the system programmer.
If individual products differ in some important aspect, then this is noted.
A wide range of software commands are supported, allowing control of printing format (e.g. width,
height and spacing of text, underlining, text orientation etc.), as well as selection of modes of
operation (e.g. support for rechargeable battery packs and sleep options, Serial Comms settings,
Paper Out, Paper Low and Head Up indications and actions etc).
Many of the software commands are emulations of the EPSON TM-Series ESCPOS codes. Since
the implementation of ESCPOS varies from one EPSON printer to another, there is no universal
standard. The command set for these products has primarily been based on that of the EPSON TM-T
Series of thermal printers. Please refer to the acknowledgement and disclaimer.
Notes on Printer Firmware Revisions (Including Flash)
Able Systems reserves the right to modify and improve the firmware in its products at any time.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure backward compatibility, no guarantee in this respect is given or
implied.
These products include a flash re-programmable microcontroller (excluding the ATB102). This allows
firmware upgrades under customer control. A Flash Programming Utility is available to aid the user in
re-flashing printers.
Also available is a Font Editor Utility, which allows the user to design and use bespoke fonts as
required. User created or modified fonts may be flashed into the printer using the same Flash
Programming Utility.
Refer to the factory for more information on these features.
On battery operated printers, some host-selectable features may be retained during sleep mode by
saving them to non-volatile memory (FLASH). The user must ensure that any changes to the printer's
internal parameters are saved to flash memory, either manually or by timed auto-save. Refer to
section 5.2 SAVING CONFIGURATION INFORMATION for more details.
