Microcom 438TC, Operator'S Manual, Page: 139 / 242

Downloadable Fonts Chapter 7
7-2 438TC Operator’s Manual - 880050-0100
The following section details the process required to convert and download fonts to the
printer. The conversion utilities “SFP2MIC.exe” and “FONTCV16.exe” may be downloaded
at http://www.microcomcorp.com. These 16 bit DOS utilities convert LaserJet™ SFP or
TrueType
®
TTF fonts into a format that is suitable for downloading to the printer.
7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program
1. Run the SFP2MIC program from a DOS prompt.
2. Follow the on screen instructions and note the slot number where the image is saved.
The printer uses the same font structure as the Model 412 printer. Select the Model
412 printer when converting fonts for the 324/424M printer.
3. Make sure the destination memory slot is clear. The ^D100 command can be used
to clear the printer’s memory.
4. Download the resulting file (filename N12 (normal rotation) or R12 (rotated)) file to
the printer.
7.3.2 FONTCV16.exe Program
1. Run the FONTCV16 program from a DOS prompt.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and note the slot number the image is saved. The
printer uses the same font structure as the Model 412 printer. Select the Model 412
printer when converting fonts for the printer.
3. Make sure the destination memory slot is clear. The ^D100 command can be used
to clear the printer’s memory.
4. Download the resulting file (filename N12 (normal rotation) or R12 (rotated)) file to
the printer.
7.4 Font Download Methods
The printer supports both compressed and uncompressed graphic and font downloads. The
compressed format shortens the download time by reducing the number of bytes sent to the
printer. Please note that the compressed format is only usable on 8-bit data connections
and will not function on 7-bit data connections. The uncompressed (^D104) is usable on
either 7 or 8-bit connections and is more flexible but encodes using ASCII-HEX. This
results in a much larger file size. Microcom Corporation recommends the use of the
compressed format when possible.
7.4.1 Compressed Binary Commands
These commands allow graphic images or fonts to be transmitted in binary, thereby
reducing the number of bytes sent to the printer. Furthermore, the commands allow for data
compression by converting strings of 0 HEX or FF HEX to shorter byte-plus-count
sequences. These sequences are then expanded to the original number of bytes inside the
printer. These commands are only usable on data connections that support 8-bit data. So
the serial port MUST be configured for 8 Data Bits and no parity. These commands will
NOT function correctly with a serial port configured to 7-bit data bits.