The BOCA printer can be setup to detect when it runs out of tickets. The detection of “low paper” may require the purchase of a low paper input kit with your printer.
NOTE: The printer drivers do not suppport the use of the low paper option. The driver may go "off-line" when the printer goes into the low paper state.
- If the low paper is detected the low paper status is transmitted via any bidirectional interface to the host computer. Usually the parallel port is unidirectional. Be aware that the use of the printer driver may be limited to unidirectional communication.
- The low paper state can be detected via the optional external low paper kits.
- Printers running M or N type firmware can use the “Tickets low function”. This allows you to set values in the printer for “tickets low” and “Tickets remaining” counters, which will trigger a low paper status. These values can be set via the printer web interface (Ethernet only) or via the printers control panel. Be aware that the value for “tickets remaining” must be set with the number of tickets loaded each time the ticket stack is replaced.
- Via the remote management option in the “real-time” web interface (Ethernet only) you can have the printer send an email in the event of a paper out, paper low, power-on, paper jam or cutter jam. This status will be sent in addition to the regular status byte send via the interface to the host computer.
Low paper state
If in the FGL printer a low paper condition is signaled the printer returns a low paper status message to the host computer. Once the low paper state is set it will not be returned again until the triggering condition has been reset. This is accomplished by either:
- removing the remaining ticket stock forcing the printer into an out of paper condition, when ticket stock is reloaded the low paper condition will be reset.
- or cycling printer power.
The host computer can also solicit the current status of the printer by sending an FGL status request (<S1>) command. The printer will respond with a paper low status if the paper low state has been reached or an X-on status otherwise.
Low Paper indicator Input kits
For new Lemur models with BR## logic boards and all Lemur-X and Lemur-Z
Type | Part no. | Description |
SQ opto for use on the roll holder | S424078 | This kit is designed to work on the Lemur-X roll holder and uses a reflection opto which is mounted onto the roll holder. This sensor will alert the print will the paper roll physically goes below the sensor eye. |
SQ opto for use with a ticket stack | S424084 | This kit uses a reflection opto which is usually mounted on the side of a ticket tray/holder to the customer’s specified height. The distance from the SQ opto eye to the side of the ticket stock should not be greater than .125” (3.18mm) but may be less |
See through opto | S423862-XZ | This kit uses two sensors each on either side of the ticket stack. The height can be adjusted within a certain range. Care needs to be taken to make sure both opto eyes are properly aligned with each other. The working is similar to a garage door safety sensor. |
Switch type | S424230 | This kit uses a switch which is usually located beneath the stack of tickets. |
Note: Individual installation sheets are available for each low paper indicator input kit.
These sensors use the small 3pin connector.
For older Lemur models (except Lemur-X and Lemur-Z or Lemur models with BR## logic boards)
Type | Part no. | Description |
Switch type | S423815 or S423815-JST | This kit uses a switch which is usually located beneath the stack of tickets. |
SQ opto | S424027 or S424027-JST | This kit uses a reflection opto which is usually mounted on the side of a ticket tray/holder to the customer’s specified height. The distance from the SQ opto eye to the side of the ticket stock should not be greater than .125” (3.18mm) but may be less |
See through opto | S423862 or S423862-JST | This kit uses two sensors each on either side of the ticket stack. The height can be adjusted within a certain range. Care needs to be taken to make sure both opto eyes are properly aligned with each other. The working is similar to a garage door safety sensor. |
Note: Printers with the BJ## or CJ## logic board need the -JST version
These sensors use the 3.5mm mini jack connector
Ticket low function
This feature allows the customer to enter the amount of tickets loaded (Tickets Remaining Count) and then select the tickets low trigger point (Tickets Low Count). When the number of tickets remaining reaches the trigger point a Tickets Low Status byte will be sent to the host computer. This status will be sent once during normal operation. The Tickets Remaining Count and Tickets Low Count can be entered using the Control Panel Menu, the appropriate FGL commands or the Web Configuration Page.
Notes:
- A non-zero Tickets Low Count must be entered for this function to be enabled. A zero Tickets Low count disables the Tickets Low operation.
- A new Tickets Remaining Count must be entered every time paper is loaded into the printer. Failure to do this will result in unpredictable results.
- Initially, the Tickets Loaded Count and Ticket Remaining Count displayed on the Real-time Status page will be the same. After a ticket has been printed, the Tickets Remaining Count will reflect the current number of tickets remaining in the printer.
- The Tickets Remaining Count displayed on the 'Configure Printer' web page will show the current number of tickets remaining in printer. Changing that number at anytime will set the Tickets Loaded and Tickets Remaining Counts to the new value.
- Tickets Remaining Count1 and Tickets Low1 are for path1 on a Dual printer or standard single path printer.
- Tickets Remaining Count2 and Tickets Low2 are for path2 on a Dual printer.
Warning:
- When using the Tickets Low Function, we recommend that the printer is connected to a battery backup or UPS to avoid losing the ticket count in the event of a power loss.
Additional information can be found in the programming guide.
Remote Management
Remote management is provided on all printers with Ethernet capability, allowing remote control and monitoring of the printer using the internal Web Server and E-mail Service. Basic printer status, including a software controlled Tickets Low status, can be viewed on user accessible web pages.
Real-times status web page
The Real-time page will display the current status of the printer, some Printer information and the Printer Configuration settings. The Real-time Status displayed includes the Ready, Paper Out, Paper Jam, Cutter Jam, and the Tickets Low function. The page will be refreshed automatically according to the Webpage refresh rate.
Email web page
The Email Settings page can be used to set the email address to which the printer will send an email upon detection of power on, tickets low, paper out, paper jam or a cutter jam condition. Email setup options include SMTP Server Address and Port number, Email to and from fields as well as a 140 character email message. As most email servers require Authentication, we suggest that you enter a username/password combination so that the message can be processed by your email server.
Upon detection of one of the alerts, the printer will send an email to the 'Email To:’ address. It will indicate the cause of the alert in the 'subject' line of the email. The body of the email will contain the email message that was filled in by the customer.
Notes:
- The email function may not work on all email servers due to security measures.
- Emails are sent using the SMTP protocol.
- If the Boca Printer is using a fixed IP (verses DHCP) the DNS Server field must be filled in using the 'Configure Printer' Webpage, Control Panel Menu or appropriate FGL command.
Additional information can be found in the programming guide.