Microcom 438TC, Operator'S Manual

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438TC Operator’s Manual - 880050-0100 6-1
Chapter 6: Downloadable Graphics
The printer allows the user to download their own GRAPHICS and store the GRAPHICS in
either non-volatile FLASH memory, or in volatile RAM memory.
6.1 FLASH Data Types
The printer’s FLASH memory provides non-volatile storage for several types of data:
1) 120 FLASH memory banks are 64Kbyte sectors for storing downloadable FONTS
and GRAPHICS.
2) 128 slots for label FORMAT.
3) 7 “embedded” FONTS. These FONTS are downloaded at the factory.
NOTE: The printer’s FLASH memory retains data after power is turned OFF. So data that
is downloaded to the printer’s FLASH memory will be available until erased by the user.
FONTS & GRAPHICS stored in FLASH memory are accessed using TCI #7 and the
appropriate slot # (CGN #).
6.2 RAM Data Types
The printer’s RAM memory provides volatile storage for several types of downloadable data:
1) RAM memory slots #1 thru #255 are used to store downloadable FONTS and
GRAPHICS using TCI #8.
2) 128 slots for label FORMAT.
NOTE: The printer’s RAM memory is NOT battery backed-up. So when the printer is
turned OFF any data stored in the RAM memory is lost. The downloaded data that is stored
in RAM is temporary.
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility
Bitmap graphic image files (*.bmp) may be converted to a LDS compatible format by using
the BMP2MIC.exe Graphic Conversion Utility. This and other conversion utilities may be
downloaded at
http://www.microcomcorp.com .
The conversion utility is a DOS-base program and will require access to a DOS prompt.
Before starting the conversion utility, it would be helpful to gather the following information:
1) In File This is the *.bmp file to be converted. (Limit the file name to 8
characters and locate file in the same directory as the conversion utility to simplify
data entry into the program.)
2) Out File Create a name for the converted GRAPHIC File. (Limit the file name
to 8 characters. An extension is not necessary.)
3) Out Type See Section 6.4.
4) Slot Number Select an open slot number for storage. Use ^D119 to determine
which slots are open.
5) Limit The maximum print width (in dots). Use ^D29 to determine print head
size.
6) Destination Use “0” for FLASH and “1” for RAM.