Support

STATUS COMMANDS

The status enabled function must be set to activate these commands.  Please note that the printer may not respond to status commands immediately, as the printer must first process any data received prior to the status command.  In other words, there is a potential response delay of a few seconds if the status request is received in the middle of printing a ticket.  

Normal mode (factory default)

While the printer asynchronously sends status messages whenever a change in status occurs, status commands can only be processed when the printer is ready and fully operational (paper loaded, no faults, etc.).  In other words, no status responses will be sent while the printer is busy and/or in an error state.  Status requests sent while the printer is in a busy/error state will not receive a response, until the printer returns to its ready state.  As the printer can only send status when it is operational, the only status messages received in response to an <S1> status request will be X-ON and low paper.  All other status messages will be sent once, and only once, as the change in status occurs.

Alternate protocols, “single ticket status mode” and “solicited status mode”, are available, where the printer will process all status requests received during fault conditions.  However, in either of these modes, the printer will not send any unsolicited status messages, with the exception of power on (12H) and ticket printed (ACK = 06H).  

Single Ticket Status Mode - <s90>

This alternative protocol disables unsolicited status messages with the exception of power on (12H), ticket printed (ACK = 06H), low paper, ticket waiting and ticket removed.  X-ON and XOFF will still be sent, but only to indicate buffer full/empty status.  The printer will respond to all status requests received during an error state.  However, no non-status related data should be sent during an error state, as it may cause errors.  This mode should only be used when ticket data is sent one ticket at a time.  After sending each ticket, the user should send an <S92> status request and receive either a “good status” (41H) or “low paper” prior to sending additional ticket data.  (On printers configured with a presenter; a ticket waiting (17H) will be send unsolicited when the ticket arrives in the presenter and  a ticket removed status (16H) will be sent prior to the good status message.)

Solicited Status Mode - <s91>

This alternative protocol  disables all unsolicited status messages, except power on (12H) and ticket printed (ACK = 06H).  X-ON and XOFF will still be sent, but only to indicate buffer full/empty status.  NOTE: When the printer is in an error state, it will only respond to <S92> status requests.  All other data and status requests will be deleted until the printer returns to an error-free condition.

Disable alternative protocols

To set the printer back to "normal status mode" send the FGL command <cs> once to the printer.

STATUS REQUESTS

Normal mode Status Request - <S1>

As the printer can only send status when it is operational, the only status messages received in response to an <S1> status request will be X-ON and low paper.  

Solicited Status Request - <S92>

When operating in either of the alternative status modes, the printer will send status in response to an <S92> command.  A 41H is sent to indicate good status.  The only time the printer is unable to send a response is when the printer is busy, indicated by sending an X-OFF.   Like all status requests, there is a potential response delay of up to a few seconds if the status request is received in the middle of printing a ticket.  

Note: All FGL command are case sensitive. 

Status request frequency

Do not perform excessive status request. Each status query causes an interrupt to the printer and adds to un-necessary overhead.  We would normally recommend an interval of 1 sec (or longer if possible).

BI-DIRECTIONAL STATUS (for Serial, Ethernet, USB and Bluetooth)

The printer will transmit status information back to the host via the interface (for Serial and USB make sure the status enabled is setup correctly).  The status codes are as follows:

The above status information can be requested from the printer by sending <S1> (or <S92>) as described previously section.  

Note 1: This status information is available only in Ventek Dual Supply Mode.

Note 2: Special firmware releases only.

Note 3: Status messages for printers with magnetic encoding.

Note 4: This status information is available only if set to”Path1 Exit Opto” and ticket taken sensor is installed.

Note 5: This status information is available only if set to "Single Ticket Status Mode" or "Solicited Status Mode".

For more information please see the programming guide