FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How to send a captured signature to the printer?
2. Problems with printing characters from the extended tables in the printer.
3. How to download characters to the extended character tables.
4. What type of paper does Extech recommend in their thermal printers? Does the image last?
5. What additional features are included in the S2000 iDL?
6. What additional features are included in the S2000TEF?
7. What is the difference between the S3000T and S3000THS?
8. What is the difference between the S3500T and S3500THS?
9. Problems trying to communicate with Extech printer through BlueTooth.
10. How to create logos and save them into the printer
11. How to pair an Extech printer with a BT device (Authentication Protocol)?
12. When trying to connect to a BT Serial Port from a PC (WIN2000 WIN XP)
a message box appears requiring a BT PIN code. What is that code?
13. How many bits does the BT module support for encryption?
14. Do Extech Printers support communication with Pocket PC 2003 via infrared?
15. Can Bar Code Printing be left or right justified, or does it always print in the middle of the paper?
16. Is it possible to print text or graphics in two columns?
17. How to make applications designed for hand held devices print on the Extech Printer?
18. The Printer gets hot and Stops printing and it does not start printing until after it cools down.
19. After finishing the print job the printer sends a few hex characters to the host application.
20. I am using a Psion Teklogix WorkAbobut PRO device and I can not discover any services on the Extech printer when communicating via BT.
21. I'm trying to print a large file. When the file is larger than 35k the printer starts printing illegible characters.
22. What kind of a Bluetooth Security do the Extech Printers Support? Do we use any kind of encryption when we transfer MCR data?
23. When printing via 802.11 the last portion of my receipt gets “Cut Off.”
24. Printer is resetting when trying to print in BT mode.

1. How to send a captured signature to the printer?

Sending a captured signature is the same as sending any graphics (either 8 - bit graphics or compressed graphics).To do this follow the instructions below. There is also a compressed graphic example.

8- Bit Dot addressable Graphic Commands

The following table displays the 8-bit dot addressable graphic commands and the printer actions. It also illustrates the Commands with an example.  Please note that characters <> ‘’ and ‘-‘ are not part of the command string.

The most common problem that arises in this situation is that sometimes data bytes are getting stripped before getting to the printer.  Another common problem is sending the incorrect number of bytes after the ESC-V command. Try using the ESC-v command (lower case) which allows compressed graphics, which are great for signatures. The computing platform you are operating from can also make a difference

8-Bit Compressed Graphic Commands

The 2 tables below describe the command used to print compressed graphics as well as explain in detail each of the components of the command string.

COMPRESSED GRAPHICS EXAMPLE:

The following graphics data is to be printed:

This data may be represented in hexadecimal:

The RLE compressed graphics command:

A signature can also be treated as a logo and be downloaded to one of the memory locations of the specific printer. For more information on how to do that refer to FAQ # 10.

2. Problems with printing characters from the extended tables in the printer.

Often problems can arise while trying to print characters from the extended character tables in the printer. The cause might not be the printer but the specific communication software that is being used. Thus for example if Terra Term is used the characters print out differently from what is expected. In cases like that what is recommended is using the DOS editor to create a text file ( It will not work if Notepad or WordPAd is used.) . All that the test file has to contain is the character or characters which have to be printed. Save the file. Then using Terra Term send the text file to the printer and this time the characters should come out right. This is a test which can be performed to diagnose if the problem is in the printer or in the communication program being used.

3.  How to download characters to the extended character tables.

The Extech 3500T printer provides to the user the ability to replace the factory-installed fonts. This allows the 3500T to adapt to many application specific character sets.

To protect the fonts from accidental corruption these must be the first
commands received by the printer when it is powered on.

Enter flash ASCII font program mode: <ESC> <‘D’> <‘A’> <n>

n: Reserved for future use (‘0’ is recommended)

NOTE! This command must be the first <ESC>
command received upon activating the printer.

1.     The printer will deactivate the CTS line and copy the requested Flash bank to SRAM. 

2.     When the copying process is complete, the CTS will become active and the printer will transmit a ‘?’ <0x3F>.

3.     Any character not accepted as part of a font load command will be echoed back to the terminal device.

Load an ASCII character: <ESC> <‘D’> <n1> <n2> <data>

n1: TABLE to save the character in {0x30, 0x31, 0x32, 0xFF}  (0xFF = quit)

n2: Character code {0x21 .. 0x7F} {CHR$(33) .. CHR$(127)}

data: 16 x 23 bit (W x H) character matrix (46 bytes total). 
Each character must also fit into the matrix specified by the font size (see table below).

Extended Font Download (RS-232 mode only)

Enter flash extended font program mode: <ESC> <‘D’> <‘X’> <n>

n: Font BANK to modify {‘0’, ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’}  {0x30, 0x31, 0x32, 0x33}

1.     The printer will deactivate the CTS line and copy the requested Flash bank to SRAM. 

2.     When the copying process is complete, the CTS will become active and the printer will transmit a ‘?’ (0x3F).

3.     Characters not recognized as part of a font load command will be echoed back to the terminal device.

Load an extended character: <ESC> <‘D’> <n1> <n2> <data>

n1: TABLE to save the character in {0x30, 0x31, 0xFF} (0xFF = quit)

n2: character code {0x80 .. 0xFF}  {CHR$(128) .. CHR$(255)}

data: 16 x 23 bit (W x H) character matrix (46 bytes total). Each character must also fit into the matrix specified by the font size (see table below).

EXAMPLE:

To load a new character ‘A’

STEP 1 - Describe the Bitmap:

This is best done within a font-editing program.  Characters must be right justified within the 16 x 23 bit cell. To ensure the characters do not run together, care should be taken to leave at least a single line of space on one side of each character.

STEP 2 - Enter flash font program mode:

Using the <ESC>-‘DA0’ {CHR$(27) + ‘D’ + ‘0’} command to program the ASCII {CHR$(33)..CHR$(127)} character sets. The printer will deactivate the CTS line.

STEP 3 - Load new character ‘A’:

Once the printer has re-activated the CTS line, and transmitted the character ‘?’ it is possible to modify the character sets. Transmit the command <ESC>-‘D0A’ {CHR$(27) + ‘D’ + ‘A’} followed by the data derived from the bitmap as shown. The order of transmission is <LINE 1 LEFT BYTE>, <LINE 1 RIGHT BYTE>, <LINE 2 LEFT BYTE>, <LINE 2 RIGHT BYTE> … <LINE 23 LEFT BYTE> <LINE 23 RIGHT BYTE>.

STEP 4 - Save modified character sets:

Currently all of the character sets are in the printer SRAM and may not be used for printing. To save the modified character sets into the flash memory, enter the command <ESC>-‘D’-<0xFF> {CHR$(27) + ‘D’ + CHR$(255)}.

The printer will transmit the character ‘D’ and then proceed to save the fonts to flash memory. THE PRINTER POWER MUST REMAIN ACTIVE AT THIS TIME.

Once the fonts have been saved into flash memory, the printer will transmit the character ‘!’. At this time, the printer will transmit an ‘X’ every 500 milliseconds.

STEP 5 - Cycle the printer power:

To ensure optimal operation of the printer, remove the battery cartridge from the printer for several seconds. Replace the battery cartridge and the new fonts will be ready for use.

4. What type of paper does Extech recommend in their thermal printers? Does the image last?

Our standard paper is a 15 year archival storage paper and is rated as "High" for environmental resistance. The grade is Kanzaki P390. Anything less will not hold up at all. For storage of P390 the temperature should be below 25C and RH below 70%. External resistance over the short term is higher than these. The paper is rated "Excellent" in its ability to hold an image after 15 hours in water.

5. What additional features are included in the S2000 iDL?

The S2000iDL has a data logging feature. The data logging feature allows the printer to print the date and time on the receipt, it has a line counter feature and it also allows you to save a copy of everything printed in the memory of the printer so that you can print all the receipts again at the end of each day or you can download it to a PC at the end of each day up to 120kb. We use this feature a lot with devices such as vending machines and radar guns.

6. What additional features are included in the S2000TEF?

The S2000TEF allows you to download extended fonts into the memory of the printer.

7. What is the difference between the S3000T and S3000THS?

The S3000THS uses a higher voltage battery that allows for faster printing. It also features a backup battery that allows you to store logos into the memory of the printer.

8. What is the difference between the S3500T and S3500THS?

The S3500T uses a higher capacity battery with a lower voltage that allows for much greater battery life on a single charge and is recommended for the majority of applications. The S3500THS uses a higher voltage but lower capacity battery. The S3500THS is ideal for applications that require a small number of receipts per day, but printed more quickly than then S3500T.

9. Problems trying to communicate with Extech printer through BlueTooth.

If you are a having problem establishing connection or communicating with the Extech printer through BlueTooth there are a few things which may be creating the problem

• Make sure the printer is not too close to the host device. (PDA is most cases)
• Check if there are any other devices which may interfere with the connection
• Make sure all appropriate BT software and drivers are installed on the host device.
• Make Sure the printer has all the correct DIP switch settings.

10. How to create logos and save them into the printer

Graphic Images can be stored in the form of a logo. This allows the printer to store them in memory locations and print them as needed. Different printers support different number of logos. Check the Developers manual for details. Single Byte Command is used to select a specific logo location.

One of the most common problems with logos is that the file is too big and as a result only part of it gets stored in memory. To prevent that make sure that the correct printer is selected before you start designing the logo. Wordpad (Microsoft Word or Notepad are not suitable) should be used to design logos. From Page Setup select the appropriate printer. After the logo is designed the best way is to print it to a .prn file.

Open the file in DOS/ EDIT mode. Make sure to specify BINARY before you open the file. Go to the beginning of the file and delete all the characters up to the ESC V characters. Then insert the following command. ESC LG 0 . Move the cursor to the end of the file and delete the LF character at the end. Insert the following commands: ESC L G [255] and ESC L g 0. Save the file and send it to the printer. This will make the logo which you have designed to be saved in location 0 of the printer. If the logo which you have designed is too big only part of it will get printed. In this case go back to Wordpad and resize the image and then repeat all the steps.

11.How to pair an Extech printer with a BT device (Authentication Protocol)?

The BT pairing procedure establishes a secret key that is used in all future connections to authenticate device identity and encrypt data. Extech's 2500 and 3500 printers support pairing. Follow the instructions below to perform the pairing. Before beginning though make sure that the all BT specifications have been set properly, including baud rate, DIP switch settings, parity , etc. Also it is best that the commands are not send directly but rather files are created and the files are send. Before beginning the pairing the desired PIN number should be saved in the printer.

1. Send <ESC> DB , where <ESC> is a single character 0x1B. Wait one second

2. Send all at once /// . Wait one second

3. To set PIN code to 1234 send: AT*AGFP="1234",1 <CR>. The new PIN should be echoed back on the screen.

4. Send AT*ADDM <CR>. The command should be echoed on the screen.

 

5. Cycle the printer power

Now that the PIN number has been stored in the printer, it can be paired. Different devices and different software have different ways in which pairing is done but in general the user always has to enter a PIN number before he/she is able to establish connection with the printer. As an illustration a BT dongle attached to a PC is used but in general each software has similar procedures. Read the manual of the specific software for further details.

6.  Detect the BT device with the BT software.

7. After the device has been detected, right-click on the icon and choose pair device.

8. You will be prompted to enter the device PIN number. It has to match the PIN number that was just created. Otherwise the pairing will fail to be established.

9. After the PIN number has been entered a change in the appearance of the icon should occur. In our case there is a little check mark next to the icon which indicated that the devices have been paired.

12. When trying to connect to a BT Serial Port from a PC ( WIN2000 WIN XP) a message box appears requiring a BT PIN code. What is that code?

The code for Bluetooth is "0" or "1234". This is required when you set your Bluetooth security settings on your Notebook to High. If you lower the security level you should not be required to enter the pin code.

13. How many bits does the BT module support for encryption?

Bluetooth supports 128 Bit encryption

14. Do Extech Printers support communication with Pocket PC 2003 via infrared?

Sometimes baud rate might be the problem with some implementations of Pocket PC 2003 not handling lower rates correctly -- or at all. An example will be PPC2003 where the IR defaults to 115k baud which seems to be too fast for many IR printers. The problem is that some printers cannot begin the initial negotiation process at 115k baud. Extech printers are able to communicate vie infrared with most devices. Occasional problems are reported when trying to communicate with Dell Axim via IrDa. Our IrDA stack developer (Actisys) and the Irda protocol documents made it clear that the negotiation is supposed to start from the lowest baud rate (9600) up to whatever both devices support. Compaq had a similar issue after it moved to PocketPC2003. The following website  has some helpful information.

http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Format.aspx?ReleaseID=R59395

Even though the version specified there is A00 the correct one is A05.The first time you try to go to the download site, it redirects to another page. You have to login, and provide a Dell product you are looking for support on. No other ID is needed for downloads, etc. After that's been entered, you should be able to paste and go straight to the "Release" link.

15. Can Bar Code Printing be left or right justified, or does it always print in the middle of the paper?

The Bar code printing function currently does not support right or left justification. Bar Codes are always printed in the middle of the paper.

16. Is it possible to print text or graphics in two columns?

If you are printing in text mode then the printer can only print one column.If you are in graphics mode and you are using the Extech Graphics driver or PrinterCE to print from a Windows application ( For Ex. WordPad) then you can format your text in 2 columns but otherwise if you are sending the information directly to the Serial Port using your own application then you will have to map the information from before and send one line at a time. What we mean is this:

For Example if you need to print the following list:

You will have to save the information before you can send it to the printer. And you have to save it in the following order

The application that you are using will have to save the information before hand in this format and this will create the illusion that it is in two columns but the way the printer actually works is printing one full line at a time.

17. How to make applications designed for hand held devices print on the Extech Printer?

In order to be able to print from a hand held device to an Extech Printer a third party software is necessary. For detailed information on that issue visit www.fieldsoftware.com

18. The Printer gets hot and stops printing and it does not start printing until after it cools down.

As a preventive feature the Extech printer's Print head will stop printing in case its temperature gets too high. It will not start printing again until the printer has cooled down. That is why it is recommended that the printer is not left exposed to direct sunlight or in proximity to hot objects such as a car motor etc. Refer to the Users Manual for a complete maintenance information

19. After finishing the print job the printer sends a few hex characters
to the host application.

There is a special section in the Developer's Manual which deals with control characters. One of them is the EOT character which the printer sends back to the host device when the buffer is empty. The reason you are getting more than one character is that probably the Buffer is empty more than once during the transmission. Every time that happens the printer transmits an EOT character. Developers should just ignore these characters.

20. I am using a Psion Teklogix WorkAbout PRO device and I can not discover any services on the Extech printer when communicating via BT.

The reason why you are experiencing problems while using the WorkAbout PRO with BT is that the BT modules of both devices are set to MASTER which prevents them from establishing communication. In order to resolve the issue you need to set the BT module inside the printer to behave as SLAVE. Instructions on how to do that are available by e-mailing Extech.

21. I'm trying to print a large file. When the file is larger than 35k the printer starts printing illegible characters.

The problem above can be experienced if you specify no flow control while you are transmitting the information you need to print. The incoming buffer in the Extech Printers is 32K large. For files less than 32K the flow control should not make a difference. However it is a good programming practice if you always specify either hardware or software flow control while transferring data to the printer.

22. What kind of a Bluetooth Security do the Extech Printers Support? Do we use any kind of encryption when we transfer MCR data?

While transferring the MCR information we rely directly on the Bluetooth interfaces security services by providing pin number and pairing support. Our bluetooth interface follows the guidelines set by Bluetooth SIG Security Expert Group. The detailed specs link can be found at http://www.bluetooth.com

23. When printing via 802.11 the last portion of my receipt gets “Cut Off”.

When transferring data via the 802.11 interface in some occasions the last packet that is sent is still transmitting while the application and Windows have already closed the 802.11 link. As a result, the last portion of the receipt ends up being "Cut   Off".

To avoid this:

• Always send the Esc C command in your application (more details on the command is available in the Developer's Manual).
• Send the command AFTER you have sent all of the receipt data and make sure that in your application you keep the 802.11 connection OPEN until you receive the Cancel Request message back from the printer.
• This will guarantee that the entire receipt has been transferred and it is safe to close the 802.11 connection.
• Another thing that could solve the issue is sending extra NULL packets at the end of a receipt - each packet is about 1024 bytes. This way even if the last couple of packets get lost, no data will be missing from the receipt.

24. Printer is resetting when trying to print in BT mode.

• If that happens, check the power LED.
• If the LED is purple then the reset is due to a low battery.
• Charge the battery ( either internally or externally) and continue normal operation.
• If the LED is Blue - contact Extech's Tech support.