To a bar code reader – Epson HX-20 User Manual

Page 62

Plug the small, rounded end of the RS-232 cable into the DIN

socket labelled “RS-232” in the back of your HX-20. Then plug the
other end of the cable into the corresponding socket on your RS-232

device.

Now the HX-20 and the RS-232 device are connected. In order

for them to communicate, however, they must share a common

protocol. Two devices may be connected electrically, but never

communicate properly, if they don’t share a common communica-
tions protocol. Try to configure your RS-232 device so that it will be
compatible with the initial or default protocol of the HX-20, as
defined in Table 6-2.

HX-20

RS-232

Data rate:

4800 Baud

Word length:

8 bits

Parity:

none

Stop bits:

CD (Carrier Detect):

ignored

RTS (Request to Send):

held “high” by HX-20

DSR (Data Set Ready):

controlled by external
device; “high” means

HX-20 may transmit

data; “low” causes HX-20
to wait

CTS (Clear to Send):

ignored

If you configure the RS-232 device according to this protocol,

you will find it very easy to transmit text and data to the device.

However, by using appropriate parameters with the OPEN

statement, you can command the HX-20 to use any desired proto-

col. (See the Epson HX-20 BASIC Tutorial and Reference Manual.)

HX-20

On the right side of your HX-20, you will notice a socket marked

“BAR CODE.”