Datamax DMXConnect
Connect- Configure- Control
Datamax DMXConnect is a comprehensive toolbox of solutions designed to
increase a Datamax printer's value and performance in any
application. Solutions range from simple port options for easy
installation, to sophisticated design tools that create intelligence
in the printer, allowing it to replace an entire workstation. Many
of these solutions work in conjunction with one another, but all can
be used individually. Their use or selection is determined entirely
by the application. To take advantage of the tools available, and
the solutions that can be achieved, using Datamax DMXConnect, it is
necessary to fully understand all of its components and how they
complement one another.
Datamax
DMXConnect is divided into three sections, components of each
product might fall into more than one section, and many components
can be used in conjunction with other Datamax DMXConnect solutions.
Enhanced Applications
The choice of a thermal printer is defined by the application.
Often the printer is a dumb terminal at the end of a receiving line
of communication. However, with Datamax DMXConnect Application Enhancement,
that printer becomes an intelligent, dynamic, and interactive
component of the system, allowing the printer to replace the
terminal that once drove it. Application Enhancement is designed to
increase a printer’s capabilities in a particular application. These
revolutionary tools are all used in conjunction with other
Datamax DMXConnect solutions and are designed to create more value in a
printer investment.
Datamax MCL Collection
MCL (Macro Command Language) is a rapid application development
(RAD) tool suite designed specifically for data collection
applications. While Datamax MCL has been in existence for several years
functioning in the Symbol product line, Datamax is the first thermal
printer manufacturer to offer this unique capability. MCLscript, the
result of an MCL application development effort, can now be ported
to and run on an appropriately configured Datamax printer. The MCL
suite consists of the following primary components:
1. The Datamax/MCL Designer
The Designer is a high level graphical scripting tool which allows
an individual to develop an MCLscript application without actually
writing program code.
2. The Datamax/MCL Simulator
The Simulator allows the developer to test, debug, and fine tune the
MCLscript application on the PC before uploading it to the Datamax
printer.
3. The Datamax/MCL Loader
The Loader provides a mechanism for transferring the MCLscript and
any other associated application files to the memory of the Datamax
printer.
4. The Datamax/MCL Client (or
runtime)
The Client resides with the firmware in the Datamax printer
and executes the MCLscript application.
5. MCL host communications
MCL-Link and MCL-Net are the components that manage the
communications between the devices involved in the MCL application.
Link is designed for wired connectivity and Net is intended for
wireless connectivity.
6. MCL host application bridges
The MCL development team has also provided application
“bridges” for a few of the more popular ERP environments. SAP
R/3-IDOC Bridge, SAP R/3-RFC/BAPI Bridge, and the BaaN Bridge are
all designed to facilitate data exchange between the MCL environment
and the respective host data facility.
An MCL-enabled Datamax printer can host the application in an MCL
environment. This means that the Datamax printer can accept input
data from attached peripheral devices such as barcode scanners,
weigh scales, keyboards, etc. without the need for a PC. The
application residing in the printer can then also request data from,
or send data to, a locally resident lookup file, or even a remote
host database. Such an intelligent printer clears the way for
enhancing communication capabilities at a particular location while
reducing an investment in hardware. Datamax is currently the only
thermal printer manufacturer with this broad-reaching Datamax MCL solution.
SNMP
Standard TCP/IP allows the use of SNMP (Simple Network Management
Protocol) for rich status and error reporting, providing powerful
printer management tools from remote locations. SNMP allows
administrators in remote locations to access the printer’s IP
address at their location and perform management functions on the
printer such as querying the printer for status and altering the
printer’s configuration. This tool has been a great help in
situations where a global corporation has a number of printers
deployed in many locations around the world and wants to minimize
administrative costs. If a local user experiences a problem with the
printer, the administrator can query the printer to find out what is
wrong and provide a solution to the local user, even though the
administrator is 2,000 miles away. Click here for Datamax SNMP
enabled products.
Datamax I-Class Scanner
The Datamax Linear Scanner is an affordable, rugged, and
effective alternative to the high cost and complication of a
traditional online bar code verifier for your I-Class printer.
Today, it is an assumption that your company will have to affix a
certain type of label to its outbound shipments. For example, many
businesses require compliance labeling. High-profile compliance
labeling exists in the automotive, retail, aerospace and defense
industries, but even smaller industries are now introducing labeling
initiatives because of the cost savings that can be achieved through
a seamless supply channel. A smooth process hinges on impeccable
print quality and scanning is the perfect way to ensure that, on
every label, the bar codes meet requirements.
The Linear Scanner uses charge-coupled device (CCD) technology to
ensure that your printed bar codes are readable. As labels pass
under the fixed-position head, they are scanned at a rate of up to
700 hundred times per second. The received signals of light are then
converted electrically and digitized. This captured information is
compared to the appropriate internal algorithm via a 32-bit
microprocessor and analyzed to ensure that the symbology has good
contrast, correct bar width ratios, and sufficient quiet zone
margins to be decodable.
Fully integrated, different operational modes determine the
printer's action once an unreadable bar code is detected, allowing
you to tailor the system to your needs. These menu-selectable
fault-handling options include automatic reprinting and automatic
voiding of any label containing an unreadable bar code.
The Datamax Linear Scanner offers fast, hands-free scanning and
productive error handling options to ensure that all your printed
labels will contain barcodes that are readable, which can translate
to improved compliance, efficiency and cost savings for your
business.
GPIO
The General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) is a user’s interface to
control the start of print (INPUT) and monitor the status (OUTPUT)
of a label in the printer. GPIO is used mostly for applicators such
as the Datamax A-Class to control when to print a label and to know
the status of when a label has completed printing to signal the
applicator to pick it up. GPIO is standard on the PE-Series, and is
optional on the Datamax I- and W-Class products.
Configuration Tools
Printer setup can potentially be time-consuming and intimidating,
especially for the untrained operator. Also, many Datamax printers
do not have a display, which keeps the cost of the printer down but
can complicate the set-up process. Configuration Tools address this
issue by providing setup tools that reside outside the printer and
simplify the configuration process. Through the use of Configuration
Tools, a printer’s proper configuration can be defined and shared
among many printers, even across a network or at remote locations.
These tools can allow a printer to send alerts to administrators
notifying them of the printer’s current status and allowing changes
to the configuration to be made from a remote location.
Device Drivers
The Microsoft Windows™ computing environment has provided the end
user community with literally thousands of software applications
addressing as many business problems and data manipulation
challenges. Rather than restrict each individual software developer
to printer support that he or she could add internally to the
application, the Microsoft Windows™ operating systems provide a
robust and universally supported print manager. In order to take
advantage of the Windows™ print manager; printer manufacturers must
face a decision as to whether or not they will have a true Windows™
printer driver developed. The alternative is to depend on the
individual application developers to include support for a given
printer model in a given application.
Datamax has partnered with Seagull Scientific for the development
and maintenance of Windows™ printer drivers for the full line of
current Datamax thermal printers. This ensures that applications
that are Windows™ compliant can take advantage of Datamax thermal
printers through the use of the Windows™ compliant Seagull Windows™
driver for that particular Datamax model. The Seagull Windows™
printer drivers for Datamax printers are distributed on the Datamax
Accessories CD-ROM with each Datamax printer, and are also available
for download through this website.
Additionally, a number of application developers have included
support for Datamax printers in their own “internal” printer drivers
for their specific application software. For more information on
software application support, refer to the Datamax Software Resource
Directory (DSRD).
DMXConfig
Datamax printers operate under a variety of parameters and
variables that combine to optimize the printer’s performance with a
given set of ribbon and/or label characteristics. All of these
parameters and variables are adjustable so that any printer operator
can optimize performance regardless of the performance requirements.
Adjusting these variables is an important component of proper
printer setup and operation. The sheer number of parameters and
variables that can be adjusted can be overwhelming, and with a
printer that has no display, this process can seem quite complex.
The DMXConfig configuration utility is a PC-based tool that
simplifies the process. It allows operators to query their printer,
adjust the printer’s configuration, define the optimal configuration
for the application, store this configuration and share it with
other printers over a network or via e-mail, and send the new
configuration to additional printers. This tool also allows users
the option to identify the files stored in the printer’s memory
modules, download files and formats to the printer, and even
download fonts to the printer.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Originally
developed for the UNIX operating system by the U.S. military to
allow computers to talk to each other over long distance networks.
TCP/IP moves packets of data between nodes and verifies delivery
from client to server. TCP/IP forms the basis of the Internet, and
is integrated into operating system such as Unix, Mac OS, and the
latest versions of Windows.
Standard TCP/IP allows the use of SNMP (Simple Network Management
Protocol) for rich status and error reporting, providing powerful
printer management tools from remote locations. SNMP allows
administrators in remote locations to access the printer’s IP
address at their location and perform management functions on the
printer such as querying the printer for status and altering the
printer’s configuration. This tool has been a great help in
situations where a global corporation has a number of printers
deployed in many locations around the world and wants to minimize
administrative costs. If a local user experiences a problem with the
printer, the administrator can query the printer to find out what is
wrong and provide a solution to the local user, even though the
administrator is 2,000 miles away. Click here for Datamax SNMP
enabled products.
Connectivity Solutions
In most instances, a Datamax printer standing alone, without a
connection to any information device, limits the printer’s use or
value. Like any printer, a Datamax printer must receive information
in order to achieve its investment goal, which is to increase
efficiencies and reduce costs in an organization’s operations. This
communication can be achieved in many ways, thanks to the
Connectivity Solutions that Datamax DMXConnect offers. Connectivity
Solutions allow a Datamax printer to integrate seamlessly into an
existing network, or into one currently being designed for future
operations.
Datamax DMXNet
Datamax DMXNet is a high-performance network interface card for the
Datamax I-Class and W-Class Printer families. Driven by a powerful
32-bit RISC NET+ARM processor, the DMXNet card is easily installed
and configured within seconds from the front panel or remotely via
any standard Web browser to bring new levels of product maintenance
and support through enhanced monitoring and control.
The Datamax DMXNet card supports basic IPX (Novell) and IP protocols over
various Ethernet frame types. All protocols may be enabled and are
supported concurrently. Multiple management connections, including
network services APIs where provided, may be active at the same
time.
NetWare is operable in Network Directory Services (NDS, NetWare 4.x)
and in Novell bindery (2.x, 3.x) or bindery emulation modes. IPX/SPX
is used to support printer status requests so that the NIC is
compatible with both Novell Pconsole and Net Admin utilities. The
NIC includes an SNMP agent operating over IPX.
The NIC includes an SNMP V1 agent and implements the RFC1213 groups
of MIB II as well as Host Resource MIB, the Printer MIB, and a DMX
Enterprise Private MIB. The NIC MIB and Private MIB provide access
to essentially the same NIC setup and Printer setup parameters as
the web pages. The NIC supports one basic trap destination IP
address for general trap messages. Current traps include general
printer fault, head up (W-Class only), paper out, and ribbon out.
Datamax DMXrfNet
Datamax DMXrf Net is a high-performance 802.11b wireless network
interface card for use with the Datamax I-Class and W-Class printer
families. Driven by its own dedicated processor, the DMXrf Net card
is easily installed and configured within seconds from the front
panel or remotely via any standard Web browser to bring new levels
of product maintenance and support through enhanced monitoring and
control.
Compatible with wireless standards, the DMXrf Net card supports
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum operation with automatic selection
of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11Mbps speeds, depending on environmental
conditions. It handles Open System or optional Shared Key (available
only to systems with encryption capability) and supports normal or
802.11b WEP encryption modes.
Connections can be made from virtually anywhere from its leading
industry network protocol stack. Users can share devices
simultaneously from TCP/IP, NetWare, Windows™ NT/2000/XP, Windows
9x, Peer-to-Peer, LAN Server™/Warp Server™, and LAN Manager
capabilities.
A console accessible via TELNET, NetWare, or the on-board serial
port is available for more sophisticated diagnostics and
configuration. The on-board serial port can also be configured as an
additional external serial print server, allowing you to effectively
print to two devices with only one print server! The interface is
also compatible with the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
for compatibility with most popular network management systems.
A concurrent 10baseT Ethernet interface feature offers redundancy
back-up for your system and the ability to use the printer in a
wired or wireless environment. Hot swap and LED indicators of
wired/wireless mode of operation are an added bonus.
Datamax DMX-100
The Datamax DMX-100 is a multi-protocol external print server
that provides shared network access to printers for a variety of
network protocols and operating systems. The DMX-100 connects to the
printer’s parallel port and instantly adds Ethernet connectivity to
your existing printers. The DMX-100 supports five industry-standard
network protocols; TCP/IP, NetWare (IPX/SPX), Local Area Transport
(LAT), and LAN Manager.
USB
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is designed to provide a
standardized, simple way to connect a multitude of devices to a host
computer. The limit with USB is that each device can consume up to 6
megabits per second of bandwidth, which is fast enough for the vast
majority of peripheral devices, including Datamax printers. USB
offers an auto-detect feature, meaning that as soon as the device is
plugged in, even if the host computer is already turned on, the host
recognizes that connection and asks to install the driver. If the
driver is already installed, the host computer is immediately ready
to communicate with the device. USB devices can be connected or
disconnected at any time without powering down the host computer.
Twinax/Coax
The Datamax Twinax/Coax solution was designed to allow users to
connect printers to an existing network via a twinax or coaxial
cable. Twinax connections use twinax cable to connect to an AS/400
through a remote workstation controller or an integrated twinax
adapter on the AS/400. A coaxial cable is one that consists of a
conductor within another conductor, with insulation between the two
conductors. Coaxial cable is a common medium used to connect to LANs
and 3270 devices. The maximum distance that a coaxial cable can be
run is 5,000 feet.
General Purpose I/O
The General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) is a user’s interface to
control the start of print (INPUT) and monitor the status (OUTPUT)
of a label in the printer. GPIO is used mostly for applicators such
as the Datamax A-Class to control when to print a label and to know
the status of when a label has completed printing to signal the
applicator to pick it up. GPIO is standard on the PE-Series, and
optional on the Datamax I- and W-Class products.
Passport Keyboard
Certain applications require production of bar code labels but
are extremely limited by available resources. For these
applications, a stand-alone keyboard is often an ideal solution
since extra resources are not tied up in a PC dedicated to driving
the printer. A stand-alone keyboard acts as an interface to the
printer and has the ability to store label formats to recall when
printing at different printers. The Datamax Passport interfaces with
any Datamax printer, offers 8k of total memory capacity, and uses a
standard RS232 connection for printer control and download.
IEEE 1284 Compliant Parallel
Parallel ports were originally developed as a way to connect
printers to PCs. When a PC sends data to a printer using a parallel
port, it sends 8 bits of data (1 byte) at a time. The 8 bits are
transmitted parallel to each other, rather than the serial (one at a
time) transmission method of a serial port. A standard parallel port
is capable of sending 50 to 100 kB of data per second. For
bi-directional communication, it is also necessary to have an IEEE
1284 compliant parallel cord. Parallel ports manage a flow of data
up to 1Mbps.
RS-232/422 High Speed Serial
The serial port is considered to be one of the most basic
external links between a printer and a computer. The serial port has
been in existence as a connectivity tool for over 20 years. A serial
port operates by “serializing” data, hence the name. The port takes
a byte of data and sends the 8 bits one at a time, over one wire. A
serial port is also referred to as a COM, or communications port.
They are bi-directional, meaning that the printer can send
information back to, and receive data and commands from the
computer.
Datamax printers offer either RS232 or RS422 serial connections.
RS232 is popular because it’s widely available, inexpensive, and can
use longer cables than many options. RS422 is also inexpensive, easy
to add to a system, and supports even longer distances, higher
speeds, and more nodes than RS232. The difference between the two is
that RS232 serial cords are limited to a length of plus or minus 50
feet. Anything longer than that and the cord starts to drop data.
However, RS485 cables can be up to 4000 feet in length. RS232 serial
ports are standard on Datamax printers, but some printers offer an
optional RS422 port. RS232 offers a maximum communication speed of
20kbps, and RS422 (available on the I- and W-Class Printers) offers
100Kbps.
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