Ref: "Ap1400ProgGuide1_2.docx"
Page 3 of 42
Document Revision: “1.2”
Document Date: “9 Apr. 2013”
2. Introduction
This Programmers Guide provides a description of the software commands supported by the Ap1400
series panel mounting printers. This includes the:
•
Ap1400 : Panel Mounting Printer (4.5V to 8.5V DC input)
•
Ap1400V : Panel Mounting Printer (9V to 36V DC input)
An Installers’ Guide, which contains connection data and details of operation, is available from Able
Systems and should be read in conjunction with this document.
Throughout this Programmers Guide the term "Printer" should be taken to refer to any of the
printers in the Ap1400 range.
If individual products differ in some important aspect, then this is noted.
A wide range of software commands are supported, allowing control of printing format (e.g. width,
height and spacing of text, underlining, text orientation etc.), as well as selection of modes of
operation (e.g. Serial Comms settings, Paper Out, Paper Low and Head Up indications and actions
etc).
Many of the software commands are emulations of the EPSON TM-Series ESCPOS codes. Since
the implementation of ESCPOS varies from one EPSON printer to another, there is no universal
standard. The command set for these products has primarily been based on that of the EPSON TM-T
Series of thermal printers. Please refer to the acknowledgement and disclaimer.
Notes on Printer Firmware Revisions (Including Flash)
Able Systems reserves the right to modify and improve the firmware in its products at any time.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure backward compatibility, no guarantee in this respect is given or
implied.
These products include a flash re-programmable microcontroller. This allows firmware upgrades
under customer control. A Flash Programming Utility is available to aid the user in re-flashing
printers.
Also available is a Font Editor Utility, which allows the user to design and use bespoke fonts as
required. User created or modified fonts may be flashed into the printer using the same Flash
Programming Utility.
Refer to the factory for more information on these features.
Some host-selectable features may be retained during power loss by saving them to non-volatile
memory (FLASH). The user must ensure that any changes to the printer's internal parameters are
saved to flash memory, either manually or by timed auto-save. Refer to section 5.3 SAVING
CONFIGURATION INFORMATION for more details.
Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
Copyright subsists in all Able Systems intellectual property, including controller firmware (embedded
software) and circuit diagrams, pin connection lists and application data. No warranty in respect of
patent rights of Able Systems Limited or of third parties is given. Unauthorised reproduction or
amendment of controller firmware may result in prosecution.
Able Systems does not assume responsibility for interchangeable functionality of other parties'
command sets.
