Unit 1: PCL Emulation
SATO D512 PCL Programming Manual Page 1-7
COMMAND STRUCTURE
Most PCL emulation commands have the following structure:
ESC
& a # C
Spaces have been added to this example for readability. The command parameter variables are
indicated by a number sign (#).
C
OMMAND PARAMETERS
A command parameter sets the value for a command. This value stays constant until either a
different value resets the command or a command resets the printer to the default values. For
example, after the printer receives a command that selects a right margin beginning at column
63, the right margin of each printed page begins at column 63. That margin stays constant until a
right margin command with a different value resets it or until the printer is reset.
Parameters for each command are listed in the command tables beginning on page 9. Use the
Symbol Set Tables to determine the decimal or hexadecimal value for each parameter. To
determine a decimal or hex value, first locate the value of the parameter you require in the
Symbol Set Table. The decimal value is the value shown in the bottom of the cell or box with that
parameter. To find a hex value, go straight up the grid from the desired parameter and read the
value in the top heading. This is the first character of the hex value. Next, go straight across the
grid to the left of the parameter and read the value in the left column heading. This is the second
character of the hex value. For example,
ESC
(¬) is coded 1B in Hex and 27 in decimal. (Any one
of the three values ¬, 1B, or 27 might be used in your application. Read your documentation to
determine which to use.) The example sets the pitch of the primary font to16.66 characters per
inch.
Example:
ESC
(s16.66H
•Decimal: 27 40 115 49 54 46 54 54 72
•Hex: 1B 28 73 31 36 2E 36 36 48
Table 1-4: Description of Command Structure
Element Description
ESC
Decimal 27 or hex 1B
& Parameterized character from American National Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII) table (ranging from 33 to 47 decimal)
a Group character from ASCII table (ranging from 96 to 126 decimal) that specifies a
group type of control
# Decimal character string value within specified numeric ranges; may be preceded by a +
or - sign and contain a decimal point
C Termination character from ASCII table (ranging from 64 to 94 decimal)