Zebra Technologies 170PAX2TM ユーザーズマニュアル
Appendix B
Printer Communications Interface Technical Information
System Considerations
Communications Code — The printer sends and receives American Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII). This code consists of 128 characters (256 for Code Page 850) including upper-
and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and various control codes.
Interchange (ASCII). This code consists of 128 characters (256 for Code Page 850) including upper-
and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and various control codes.
Interfaces — The method of interfacing the printer to a data source depends on the communication
options installed in the printer and the host. The standard interfaces are an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485
serial data port and a Centronics-compatible parallel port. Optional IBM Twinax, IBM Coax and
Ethernet options are available for those applications which require them.
options installed in the printer and the host. The standard interfaces are an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485
serial data port and a Centronics-compatible parallel port. Optional IBM Twinax, IBM Coax and
Ethernet options are available for those applications which require them.
Data Specifications — When communicating via an asynchronous serial data port (RS-232/RS-422/
RS-485), the baud rate, number of data and stop bits, the parity, and the XON/XOFF or DTR control
are user-selectable and should be set to match those of the host computer. When communicating via
the Centronics-compatible parallel port, the previously mentioned parameters are not considered.
Refer to “Configuration and Calibration” to configure the communication parameters for the printer.
RS-485), the baud rate, number of data and stop bits, the parity, and the XON/XOFF or DTR control
are user-selectable and should be set to match those of the host computer. When communicating via
the Centronics-compatible parallel port, the previously mentioned parameters are not considered.
Refer to “Configuration and Calibration” to configure the communication parameters for the printer.
Interface Considerations
RS-232 – A serial communication method consisting of data and control signals; available as a
standard feature on most PCs and other hosts.
standard feature on most PCs and other hosts.
Advantages: Cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores and
suppliers; easy to connect; two-way communication between the host and the printer.
suppliers; easy to connect; two-way communication between the host and the printer.
Disadvantages: Slower than the parallel connection; limited to 50 feet (15.24 meters) of cable.
RS-422 – A single-user current loop serial communication method.
RS-422 – A single-user current loop serial communication method.
Advantages: Longer cable length up to 4000 feet (1219.2 m); greater immunity to data corruption
caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights; two-way communication between the host and the
printer.
caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights; two-way communication between the host and the
printer.
Disadvantages: Not commonly available on standard PCs without additional hardware; slower than
the parallel connection.
the parallel connection.
RS-485 – A multiple-user current loop serial communication method that is used to support multiple
printers connected to a single host.
printers connected to a single host.
Advantages: Longer cable length up to 4000 feet (1219.2 m); greater immunity to data corruption
caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights; two-way communication between the host and the
printer.
caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights; two-way communication between the host and the
printer.
Disadvantages: Not commonly available on standard PCs without additional hardware; slower than
the parallel connection.
the parallel connection.
Centronics-compatible Parallel – This is a common communication method available on most PCs
and other hosts.
and other hosts.
Advantages: Fastest of the four communication interfaces; cables and connectors are readily
available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; easy to connect.
available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; easy to connect.
Disadvantages: One-way communication (the serial port is used to send printer status to the host);
shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet (1.83 m).
shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet (1.83 m).
170PAX2-Series User’s Guide
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