XPRESS
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EP
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TLM Laser Marking System
Doc. No. 40213 –
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Communications Protocol
Two types of host interface are supported (RS-232 or TCP/IP) and
two communication protocols are provided through the Merlin-II
LS marking system software (Programmable and Extended).
Programmable Protocol
. Programmable protocol provides one-
way (receive only) communication with no error checking or
acknowledgment of the transmitted data. You may use
Programmable protocol to extract a continuous portion of a
message string to print. This can be used with a host computer or a
bar code scanner. Note that XON/XOFF Protocol applies even
when Programmable Protocol is selected.
The Programmable Protocol Message Type identifies the type of
message sent from the host. It determines how the marker uses the
data it extracts from the host message string when Programmable
Protocol is used.
49
Message type 49 ("1") overwrites the content of the first
text-based field in the pattern with the data extracted from
the host message. Note that if the field contains message
flags, they will be overwritten, not updated.
72
Message type 72 ("H") updates the Offset X/Y
parameters with the data extracted from the host message.
Syntax for the transmitted string is ±X.X,±Y.Y where ± is a
positive or negative sign, X.X represents the X-axis offset
distance, and Y.Y represents the Y-axis offset distance.
80
Message type 80 ("P") indicates the data extracted from
the host message is the name of the pattern to be loaded.
81
Message type 81 ("Q") updates the text in the first query
text buffer (buffer 0) with the data extracted from the host
message.
86
Message type 86 ("V") updates the text in the first
variable text field in the pattern with the data extracted from
the host message.
118
Message type 118 ("v") updates the first text field
encountered in the pattern that contains a variable text flag
that matches the specified string length.
If the host is providing the Message Type within the transmitted
text string, enter "0" in the Message Type parameter text box
displayed on the Programmable tab of the Host/Setup window.
0
Message type 0 (zero) indicates that the host will provide
the message type, field number (if applicable), and data (if
applicable). This option allows more flexibility by
delegating the message type selection to the host on a
message-by-message basis. It also allows you to direct data
to specific fields and/or query text buffers.
The host can use Message Type 0 to provide data to the
marking system. The marking system will insert data
transmitted with the message into the appropriate location.
Communications Protocol
(continued)
Extended Protocol.
Extended protocol provides two-way
communication with error checking. It is designed to provide
secure communications with an intelligent host device using pre-
defined message formats and response formats. It also provides
error checking using a block check code to detect faults in the
transmitted messages and to verify the data is properly received.
The Extended Protocol Message Type determines how the marker
uses the data it extracts from the host message string or from the
marking system software, as applicable.
1
Message Type "1" can provide data to a text string in the
pattern or poll the pattern for data.
E
Message Type "E" allows the host to take the machine
offline. It also provides the option of displaying an error
message box with the provided data string.
V
Message Type "V" can provide data to a variable text string
in the pattern or poll the pattern for data.
P
Message Type "P" can load a pattern or poll the system for
the current pattern name.
O
Message Type "O" places the marker online. This allows a
host computer to reset. For example, this may be used to
recover from a power outage when the marker is
unattended.
G
Message Type "G" initiates a print cycle.
Q
Message Type "Q" can provide data to the system query text
buffer or poll the system for data.
H
Message Type "H" can provide data to the system X/Y
Offset parameters or poll the system for data.
S
Message Type "S" is used to poll the system for the machine
status. The machine status is returned to the host in an eight-
character hexadecimal mask.
I
Message Type "I" is used to poll the system for the I/O
status.
