Microcom 438TC, Operator'S Manual

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Getting Started Chapter 3
3-30 438TC Operator’s Manual - 880050-0100
3.12 Printer Modes
The printer has four primary modes of operation. The different types of modes have an
impact on how the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light operate. This section is
intended to provide the user with an explanation of these different modes.
3.12.1 Idle Mode: GREEN
The printer is in the IDLE Mode when it is not printing and/or has no pending activity. The
indicator light is GREEN, which indicates that the printer is ready to receive label formats
and/or commands.
In IDLE Mode the Print Button has several different functions:
a) Pressing the button quickly will reprint the last label (unless print
repetition has been disabled by the ^D22 command bit 4, then a form
feed will execute)
b) If the printer was just turned ON and no formats were sent to the
printer, pressing quickly will print the power-up label,
c) Holding the button depressed: Line Feed until the button is released.
3.12.2 Halted Mode: RED
The printer is in the HALTED Mode when it has stopped due to an error condition. The
Status Indicator Light will be solid red in color when the printer has entered the HALTED
Mode. The printer will remain in this mode until the error has been corrected and cleared.
Once the error has been cleared, the printer will attempt to execute the previous format
and/or commands.
3.12.2.1 Clear >LOW STOCK< error
a) Load new label media.
b) Press the Print Button quickly to start printing.
c) Press the Print Button until label is properly registering on media.
d) Press the Print Button again during printing to resume batch printing.
3.12.2.2 Clear error with “single button error clear”
If Soft Switch #5, Bit #1 is set to “1”, then a single quick press of the Print
Button will clear the >LOW STOCK< error once the printer has more label
media loaded.
3.12.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >LOW STOCK<
The printer performs an Automatic Stock Eject operation whenever it runs out
of label media. As soon as the >LOW STOCK< condition is detected, the
printer feeds the label media forward to clear the drive roller.
The feed distance is just enough to eject the last of the label media past the
drive roller and then stop. This happens automatically…the user doesn’t have
to hit the Print Button.
3.12.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER
There are several ways that the operator can control the output of the printer. The printer
will display either solid or flashing AMBER depending upon the mode of operation. Also,
the printer will display a solid AMBER during a FLASH update operation.