Ref: "ProgGuide1_7.docx"
Page 8 of 26
Document Revision: “1.7”
Document Date: “11 Sep. 2013”
Serial Interface
The default serial interface format for all printers is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, and no
parity. Other formats can be programmed into the printer at the factory or in the field, from the host.
A setup program, suitable for use with a PC, is available from Able Systems to simplify this process.
Serial data is expected on Rx in RS-232C format with -12V meaning 'mark' or logical '1', and +12V
meaning ‘space’ or logical '0', with reference to the common ground. The serial data output line, Tx,
transmits XON/XOFF and status information to the host at the same baud rate and format as the
serial data input. The hardware busy line, Busy, is true (nominally -12V) when busy.
Some host equipment use a constant space condition (+12V) to indicate a reset condition or wait
state. Some battery powered host equipment present the same output signal when they go to sleep.
By default the printer will interpret this condition as a repetitive receive error, and will print multiple ‘?’
characters to indicate the fault. If required, the printer may be set to ignore this condition.
Data Buffer and Flow Control
The printer has a nominal 20k byte buffer which enables data to be received while previous lines are
being printed. The state of the data buffer is transmitted to the host as follows:
XOFF (13HEX) sent when buffer fills to
3/4 full;
XON
(11HEX) sent when buffer empties to
1/4 full; and also after a controller reset.
The hardware busy line is set when 256 bytes of space remains; and incoming data are no longer
passed to the buffer (but may be processed) when 128 bytes remain. The hardware busy line goes
ready again when 384 bytes become free. Note that the buffer can become filled with non-printable
codes, in which case the controller will go busy.
The printer always transmits an XON character when it has woken up and is ready to receive data. It
always attempts to transmit an XOFF character to the host before going to sleep. It is not necessary
to select hardware or software handshaking. Both are active at all times.
In the event of the battery becoming exhausted, the printer will automatically protect its own control
circuitry by entering sleep mode if the instantaneous battery voltage drops below a threshold (e.g.
during a particularly heavy section of print). In this event no XOFF character is transmitted.
IRDA and Bluetooth Wireless Interfaces
(Ap1300-IR, Ap1300-BT and Ap1300-BTi only)
The wireless interfaces present in the Ap1300-IR, Ap1300-BT and Ap1300-BTi are virtually
transparent emulations of a standard serial connection. In each case, complex link management
protocols are employed to ensure the integrity of the data transport and handle link making and
breaking. However, the 'payload' data required to control the printer is unaffected by the transport
mechanism.
See the User Guide for more details on the protocols and profiles supported for each.
SDK’s and demonstration software/apps are available for the following mobile platforms:
Windows CE
Blackberry
Android
iOS
Please contact the factory for more details
