The optional Imported Test File feature allows the operator to enter a .PCX file that is converted
into the proper format to be printed. The PCXM2.exe application supplied needs to reside in the
same directory as RTEST.exe application file. Sample .PCX files are provided, 640.pcx is a
sample image file that can be printed on a Model 200 equipped with the KST- 48 printhead,
TP1.pcx is a sample image file capable of being printed using the KST-216 printhead. The .PCX
image file size is dependent upon the printhead installed, the KST-216 printhead requires a 800 X
600 pixel file with a 640 dpi resolution, the KST-48 printhead requires a 640 X 600 pixel file with
a 640 dpi resolution. In the case of KST-216 printhead the entire 800 X 600 file will be printed in
the center of the printhead. The conversion application requires a 640 pixel wide image
requirement for the KST-48 printhead but due to the fact that KST-48 is only 384 pixels(dots)
wide only the right side half of the 640 X 600 field is actually printed. In both cases it is important
that the .PCX file have a color depth of 2 colors (or bimodal).
The optional Self-Generating Barcode Module will allow an operator to print a CODE-39
or a UPC-A bar code in the "picket fence" or "ladder" directions using direct thermal or thermal
transfer printing techniques. Several densities of each bar code symbology are supported. The
highest densities of both, the CODE-39 and the UPC-A symbologies are printed beyond the
defined limits as specified by AIM and the UCC. However, they are included within the
MODEL 200 to represent possible future trends in bar code printing and may prove useful in
evaluating experimental media.
****** I M P O R T A N T ******
Due to the difference in total number of dots across the printhead, the GULTON 4"
printhead is not capable of printing the bar code images.
The optional Pixel On/Off Pattern is actually a collection of five different image patterns; a
100% dot pattern, one dot On/Off (picket fence and ladder), two dots On/Off (picket fence and
ladder). This pattern is very useful in evaluating the number of"voids" or amount of "blooming"
for a given test session. It is also ideal for studying the effects of dot history and adjacency.
It should be mentioned that the MODEL 200 employs an "overlapped" method of printing.
This is a result of having the printhead's heating element larger than an incremental motor
advance. Therefore, the imaged area in the ladder direction sections will be larger than the
unimaged area. Due to this narrow unimaged area and inaccuracies inherent in stepper
motors, the ladder direction 1 ON/OFF image may appear to be "banded" for some test
conditions.
