Rice Lake SURVIVOR SST3 Washdown Printer - Manual (Page 26)

Communications 23
4.0 Communications
Using a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automatically in the printer. At power-up, the
printer begins monitoring the interface ports for activity. When the host transmits data, the printer port detecting
this data is set active and remains active as long as data flow continues. Once the incoming (received) data flow
stops and the host timeout value is exceeded, the detection process is repeated. Should the data flow stop before
a complete label format is received, the format is ignored and must be sent to the printer again.
Note: To change an active port immediately, cycle the printer power off and on.
4.1 Parallel Port
The parallel interface has two menu-selectable modes of operation: uni-directional or bi-directional. The
uni-directional mode supports forward channel only communication and requires Centronics
® cable with a 36-pin
male connector.
The bi-directional mode supports forward and reverse channel IEEE 1284 Compliant communications. Data can
be returned to the host in this mode provided it has compliant hardware, supporting software and is connected to
the printer via an IEEE 1284 Compliant cable with a Centronics 36 pin male connector.
4.2 Serial Port
The serial interface supports RS-232C and, if equipped, RS-422 communications. The following list of serial
port settings is menu-selectable and must match the host computer’s serial port settings.
• Baud rate (serial communication speed)
• Word length
• Word parity
• Number of stop bits
• Handshaking protocol
In addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must have specific connections (pin-outs) for
proper data exchange between the host and printer. The different serial cable pin-outs and suggested applications
are shown in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1. Serial Interface Cable Pin outs
TX 3
RX 2 2 RX
3 TX
PC (DB-9S) to Printer
PRINTER DB-9P HOST DB-9S
SHIELD
7 RTS
CTS 8
PC (DB-25S) to Printer
HOST DB-25S PRINTER DB-9
4 DTR
8 CTS
DSR 6
GND 5
DTR 4
GND 5
SHIELD
-
TX 2
RX 3 2 RX
3 TX
SHIELD
7 RTS
CTS 5 4 DTR
8 CTS
DSR 6
GND 7
DTR 20
GND 5
SHIELD