Code Net

Domino Lasers Inc.
1904 Wright Circle

Anaheim, CA, 92806
U.S.A.
DDC-3 Laser Coder

Remote Control Protocol
Software Version:
Software Date:
05-30-00 Issue 2
5.01c HR std
May 30, 2000
DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00
Page 1-1
Contents
Document Modification History
1-2
Summary of changes from previous software version

Introduction
1-3
2-1
Hardware
Serial Ports
Connector Pinouts
Baud Rate and Data Word
2-2
Flow Control
COM Port Configuration
2-4
2-4
Single-Drop Mode (Station ID = 0)

Multi-Drop Mode and Station ID
2-5
2-5
Software Protocol
General
Remote Control Command Structure
Acknowledgment of Commands
Remote Command Interpreter Logic
Command Summary
a)
Coder Diagnostic Commands
b)
Coder Start / Stop
c)
Poll for Coder Status
d)
Message & Symbol Programming
e)
Master Clock Setup Commands
f)
Default Mark Controls Parameters
g)
Universal Mark Parameters
h)
Twin-Line Setup Parameters
i)
Programmable Insert Controls
j)
Counters
k)
Passwords
l)
Remote Mode Control Commands
m)
Remote Mode Setup Commands
n)
Screen Parameters and Menu Setup Parameters
o)
System Utility Commands
p)
ColdStart Parameters
q)
Laser Setup Parameters
r)
Miscellaneous
2-6
Command Details
2-3
2-7
3-1
4-1 to 4-132
Appendices:
A - ASCII Character Chart
B - Full Error Code Listing
C - Null Modem Adapter Wiring
D - Copy of Release.txt release notes file
A-1
B-1
C-1
D-1
E-1
E Technical Briefing Note Reference
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-2
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored on a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior permission of Domino Lasers Inc.
Domino Lasers Inc. has a policy of continuous product improvement. The Company therefore reserves
the right to modify the information contained in this manual without notice.
Modification History
Revisions for Version 5.01c HR std software, dated May 30, 2000
Issue Level
Issue Date
Notes
Authors
12-15-99
Initial Issue
R Blackburn, DLI
Mike Luke, DLI
03-01-00
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01b HR March 01, 2000
R Blackburn, DLI
Mike Luke, DLI
New release of software to include the released High

Resolution font, called HiRes in the Default Mark
Controls Menu, and <FHR_> when selected in the
Message Editor.
When the HiRes font is selected as the default, the
WYSIWYG display shows a closer represntation of
the HiRes print appearance.
The shape of the characters in the 6x7 font was
modified to match the equivalent Domino A-series
Inkjet fonts.
The Expiration Update parameter now defaults to
Midnight. Prior releases mistakenly set this to First
Shift, which when no shifts were defined would
print an incorrect date. Additionally the Last Shift
and First Shift settings now only have an effect if at
least one shift time has been defined.
Because no changes were made to the database
structure, databases saved under prior releases of
version 5.01 software remain valid. As always, DLI
recommends that a backup copy of the database be
made using ASCDBASE.EXE prior to using the
REMFLASH program.
2
05-30-00
Bug fixes from version 5.01b HR, as follows:
R Blackburn, DLI
Mike Luke, DLI
a. NMI Fault was occurring when clearing or

acknowledging faults in the System Status Menu.
This problem only occurred when the Fault
Logwas reasonably full and a large number of
unacknowledged faults was present. This would
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-3
typically happen when there was a Soft RF Fault

or Soft Mark Overlap happening frequently.
b. Channel Swapping was non-functional in TwinLine mode.
c. Two Remote Control Mode commands were
repaired - "Set Alert Modes" and "Channel
Swap".
d. Occasionally using the Dynamic Twin-Line
Alignment (F6) key in certain languages would
lock up the software. This was due to memory
allocation conflicts with large pop-up boxes.
The version ID is raised to 5.01c HR. Databases
created under previous releases of 5.01 software will
continue to function under this new release. As
always, DLI recommend that a backup copy of the
database be made using ASCDBASE prior to loading
new Firmware into the DDC3 FLASH memory.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-4
Description of updates from previous versions to version 5.01c HR std (for reference
only)
Fast Start Feature Password
The Fast Start Feature allows an authorized user to

remove the 5 second countdown prior to enabling
marking. This is legally allowed in Europe, and in the
USA when the safety enclosure meets the requirements
of Class 1. This function is password protected.
Soft Laser Channel Swapping
The Laser Setup menu is enhanced with a new series of

parameters that permit the logical laser channels to be
swapped. This means that the bits in the stroke buffer
image will be able to be routed to a selected physical
laser channel.
Laser Test Twin Line Lens Positioner
The Laser Test Menu is enhanced with a new toggle

command that sets the user outputs A and B into specific
states to cycle the TwinLine mirror attachment through
its controlled positions.
Reset System Counter Command
Permits a reset of the System Counter through use of the

ALT-F4 key in the main menu. This will separate the
System Counter reset from the normal Reset Counters
command.
Continuous Print Interrupt
The Mark Inhibit , if enabled, will be redesigned to

permit the feature to operate in Repeat and Continuous
Print modes.
The repeat and continuous modes will be reprogrammed
to operate like the Domino Ink-jet products including
the following issues:
Repeat Mode will not double-repeat if the Print-Go
signal has not transitioned from high-low-high. This can
be summarized as ignore the second print-go when
transitioning back from internal to external Product
Detect mode.
The operation of Repeat Gap will be changed so that the
Internal PD Mode delay is set to the gap and not the
pitch.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-5
In Continuous Print Mode, before each print, the

software will be changed to look at the status of the
Product Detect input and if it is OFF, then stop printing,
and wait for the next Product Detect signal. This will
effectively define the continuous print mode to be print
for as long as the Product Detect input is active.
Shared Print Go
The software will be modified to include a feature for

laser head A that permits the product detect signal for
Head A to trigger head A marking and then chain to
triggering marking for head B.
Fault Indication on K2 Relay
The SETUP ALERTS MENU will be used to configure

the action of the K2 relay relative to each of the various
system fault types that are logged into the SYSTEM
FAULT LOG. Each fault type will have a parameter that
configures it for K2 operation as a toggle that can have
one of the values OFF, 1 MINUTE, 2 MINUTES, 5
MINUTES, or CONTINUOUS.
Menu Title and Key Legend Changes
Reconfigure and make screen prompts and function keys

more consistent.
TwinLine Center and Right Justify
The TwinLine capability of the software will be

enhanced with a feature to permit centered and right
justified printing. A new database parameter will be
added that sets the JUSTIFICATION. This parameter
will have settings of:
LEFT Operation as is currently provided in base software
CENTER Center the twin lines (i.e. reflen = (toplen +
botlen)/2).
RIGHT Right justify text (i.e. reflen is the opposite as
the left settings).
Parameter String Hi-Bit Characters
Permits the entry and storage of hi-bit characters into the

various programmable parameter strings such as the
comments, insert strings, etc.
Power On State
A new state referred to as the power up state that persists

from the time the software is started until the 28V DC
supply is powered. During this time a power up
informational log entry will be entered into the fault log.
Also the initial DC power fault that persists during this
time will NOT be entered into the fault log.
Counters Operation Updates
The counter values will be kept up to date without

regard to the save state of the database. This will prevent
certain problems such as the repeat the last value prior to
Mark Disable, after Marking is re-enabled.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-6
The counter Control Source parameter will be

removed. This is no longer needed now that there will
be the Chained Print Go feature.
The absence of an end value does not render the counter
non-operational. When the end value is missing the
counter step direction will automatically default to the
upwards direction.
A mode will be added that permits counters to be
cascaded. This allows the user to limit the scope of a
counter to specific letters and/or numbers. The cascade
will be implemented such that counters can be cascaded
to a chosen next lower ordered counter.
Each counter will be equipped with a control string for
the alpha letter fields in the counter. This string would
be up to 26 characters in length with a default value of
A-Z less I & O. The programmed string length would
determine the cycle length for the Alpha fields in the
counter. By allowing the user to enter digits into that
string also, the user could use that as a means to limit the
cycle of the counter.
A mode will be added for each counter where it steps on
a selected User Input transition, asynchronous of the
Product Detect interrupt process.
Cabinet Temperature Warning
This will be monitored from the current Spare Control

Panel Input. This fault will be considered a soft fault in
that it will not disable marking at its occurrence,
however it will not be possible to re-enable marking
while this fault persists. This fault will not be ignored in
the new Power On state and in the K2 fault response
menu this fault will always be configured to trigger K2
for a timed pulse or a continuous indication. A dialog
box will be added to explain when the fault is present
while marking is being enabled.
Cabinet Temperature Fault
Monitored as described in the above item but

additionally if this fault occurs with the DC Power Fault,
then this shall be a condition to trigger a new hard fault
called the Console Temperature Fault. This will
disable marking and not allow re-enabling of marking
until the fault is removed.
Air / Vacuum Monitoring
New fault monitor input that will be polled from the

previous Mark Disable Switch input which is no longer
used. This new fault, called the Air/Vac fault will have
a configurable parameter to select the fault as a hard or a
soft fault. Monitoring of this fault will be active during
the time that the Air/Vac solenoid control output is
activated. The software will implement a 10 second delay
from the time the Air/Vac solenoid is first activated till
the fault status monitor is started.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-7
Duty Cycle Warnings
The Duty Cycle Fault hard fault will be added to show

that the Duty Cycle is over pre-set limits. The limit
value will be taken from a new parameter, in the Laser
Setup menu, that has a default value of 15%. A hidden
password will be used to limit access to the ability to edit
the duty cycle limit value. The software will filter and
average the computed duty cycle value over a 10 second
period and then compare the filtered value to the limit
value.
Configurable Hard/Soft RF Faults
There is an additional toggle parameter in the Factory

Menu to make RF faults configurable as Hard or Soft
faults. This parameter will be used collectively for all RF
faults.
Soft Fault Display Timer
Faults are displayed on the screen. A new mode has been

added to the software to allow the time duration for
which soft faults are displayed on the screen.
Air/Vacuum Control
The software has been enhanced with the ability to drive

an Air/Vacuum Control output signal. This output will
be driven by the previous Marking Disabled lamp driver
(which will have all old functionality removed from the
software). This output will be driven on when marking is
enabled and remain on through a programmable time
period.
Max Laser Pulse Width Parameter
A new database parameter will be added to the Factory

menu that specifies the maximum value for the laser
pulse width. The parameter value will be used as the
maximum in both the Default Controls and also the
Dynamic laser pulse width adjustment dialog. There will
be a hidden password configured that limits access to the
setting of this parameter.
Daylight Savings Time Feature
Programmable to settings of:

OFF
No compensation for Daylight savings.
USA
Uses the USA scheme.
EURO
Uses the European scheme.
USER
Allows the user to set up the daylight
savings scheme.
LPT Port Message Selection
The DDC3 firmware will be modified to include the

ability to input a message number from the LPT1:
parallel port of the computer. It is expected that a four
bit binary code will be provided as input to the DDC3
via four of the parallel port printer status lines. The code
would be placed as a code onto the parallel port cable
from a PLC as a 0 to 5 volt digital logic signals. The PLC
would specify the message number code as one of sixteen
values based upon the binary combination of the four
logic signals attached to the printer status lines.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-8
The message number input scheme from the LPT1 port

will be enabled by setting the DIP switch on the laser
controller board to a having the settings of the SW2,
SW3, and SW4 in the DN DN & UP positions
respectively (i.e. selecting setting #6) and wiring the
connector to include the lopback circuit.
Arabic Font Accessibility
The current font table for the Vx7 variable pitch font
will be reorganized to permit the selection of Arabic
Font characters and other symbols by the typing of
regular ASCII characters into the message string. This
permits the Arabic font to be accessed exactly like the
ink-jet products, by typing a sequence of upper and
lower-case characters and punctuation.
Hi-Bit Character Entry
The following entry scheme will be toggled on and off

by the user depression of the F12 key. While the F12
screen is active the arrow keys will be Entry/ when an
editing function is active to permit the user to cursor a
hi-lite marker to the desired character and then use
ENTER to select that character. Alternatively as
described above the three digit code for the font
character can be entered and the character becomes
selected immediately upon the entry of the third decimal
digit.
Delete Message Disabling
The software will be modified so that the deletion of a

currently selected message will be disabled.
Remote Control Laser On/Off
The remote control command set will be enhanced with

a single command that can be used to change the
ON/OFF status of the seven lasers. The format of the
command will include a seven byte string parameter that
contains ones and zeros that correspond the on and off
states of the seven lasers.
InkJet Week Numbers
The week number of the year calculations will be

modified to support the week numbering system
embedded in Dominos Ink Jet printer products. (The
default value of the base software WEEK BEGIN DAY
parameter will be changed from Sunday to Monday to align
with the fixed week boundary day utilized by Domino). The
basic algorithm utilized will follow the idea that:
A week number shall stand for a period of seven days.
Week number 1 of a year shall be the first week
containing four days or more of the new year.
For the DDC3 implementation the above will be
modified so that item b) is read For week numbering
the first day of the week is equal to the WEEK BEGIN
DAY.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-9
New Domino Logo

Bootup Without VTE Active
A change will be made to the VTE implementation to

add 2 additional modes selected by the currently two
unused DIP switch configurations on switches 5,6, & 7.
In these additional modes, the software can boot up and
behave correctly whether or not a laptop running VTE is
connected at startup time.
Half Space Format Code
A new Message Formatting insert called "Half Space"

(<HS>) which has no parameters and at the point of use
simply inserts 3 blank strokes if the current font is a 5wide or 6-wide font, and 5 blank strokes if the font is the
7x9 font.
100 Hz Input Filtering
The software filtering of the discrete inputs and fault

monitoring inputs will be increased to ~100Hz from
the current 9Hz to improve the input discrete
response rates.
Justification Error Dialog
This warns the user when the Twin-Line delay is less

than the Minimum Delay setting in the parameter
database (the override is being used).
Twin Line Mirror Modes
The Twin Line Menu will be enhanced with an

additional parameter referred to as the Mirror Mode that
has settings of NORMAL and MIRRORED. This
parameter will be used with the settings of the
Reverse, Invert/Flip, Print-First and the inferred
Top Line parameter to permit the user to deliberately
print a horizontally-mirrored message.
Delete Symbol Disabling
The software will be modified so that the deletion of a

symbol will be disabled while a message containing the
symbol is selected for marking.
Print Trigger/Cycle Outputs
The program will be modified to include a new feature

whereby the USER OUTPUTS can be used to indicate
a current print cycle on a given laser head. This
capability is intended to be used to allow an external
monitor computer or PLC to track the product marking
process. This will be implemented as follows. A new
toggle parameter will be added for each laser head in the
default mark controls menu that will configure the
MARKING CYCLE OUTPUT to user selectable
settings of OFF, USER OUT A, or USER OUT B.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-10
Configurable Mark Inhibit
Designed to be configurable to OFF, A0, A1, B0, and

B1. The user input selected will be read as to its current
state to determine the mark inhibit activity as opposed to
the sensing of a previous input transition.
In Continuous mode, the software will monitor the
selected input at every print.
Programmable Month Codes
The software will be enhanced with a new message

format code for a user programmable month code. This
month code will be initialized via a series of twelve
programmable strings in a clock setup menu. Each string
will accommodate up to 15 characters and will be set to
default values of JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH,
... DECEMBER. The new message format will permit
the insertion of a string into the message corresponding
to the string as programmed.
Translated Encryption Codes
The program will be redesigned to permit the various

codes encrypted string format codes to be displayable on
the screen in the current language. The internal database
coding for the messages and that format made visible
over the remote port for the remote control commands
or the ASCDBASE mode of operation will be retained
in their default English format.
Maintenance Reminders
Four new soft faults will be added which will fall into
the category of maintenance reminders. These will be
configured as the types VACUUM CHECK,
INTERLOCK CHECK, LENS CHECK, and
[USER DEFINED TYPE]. There will be a configured
Maintenance Reminders Menu that will allow enabling
these soft faults ON and OFF, setting the name string
for the [USER DEFINED TYPE], and setting the
fault invocation interval if ON to a value from 1 to 999
days.
Test Mode Oscilloscope
The oscilloscope mode will monitor and display the

stroke encoder input, the product detector input, the
user inputs and the four LPT status line inputs. The
oscilloscope will be a graphics implementation that
would use a sweeping cursor type of display where a
vertical line, which is the cursor, scrolls from left to right
in a cyclic manner. A sweep speed control would be
provided to permit the display speed to be scanned to
slower rates to permit looking at input signals that occur
at slow rates.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-11
Twin Line Symbols
Permits the editing of two symbols at the same time. An

alternate Edit Symbol and New Symbol set of
function keys will be added to the symbol selector that
open the symbol editor in a 14 pixel high mode. In this
mode the selected symbol number will be
displayed/edited in the top seven rows of pixels and the
next higher numbered symbol will be displayed/edited in
the lower seven pixel rows. This will allow for easier
creation of symbols that can be used with TwinLine
mode for creating double high logos and symbols. The
actual message formatting logic would not be changed
from the current implementation so that in order to
utilize a double high symbol the TwinLine message
would have to be entered similar to the example below:
ABC <SYM 17> 123<NL>
DEF <SYM 18> 556
Where the alignment is done so that the pixel patterns of
SYM 17 and SYM 18 are directly one over the other.
Twin-Line Justification per Message
Permits the inclusion of a Twin Line justification value

for each individual message as a stored message
parameter. This value would be updated dynamically in
the message database whenever the dynamic adjustment
of this parameter was utilized.
Fault Help
Provides a help explanation telling the nature of a given

fault. A one or two line description for each fault will be
added to the menu prompt file so that this help
information is available on a language by language basis.
The help facility would be available through use of the
F12 key on the keyboard. (Note that the F12 fault help
function would not be available whenever the screen is in an edit
entry mode and the F12 key is used to pop up the high
character entry dialog). Whenever there is a fault present as
displayed on the status bar, the fault help function would
pop up a dialog that describes the nature of the fault. If
there were no faults present then the pop up dialog
would show No Faults Present.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 1-12
Introduction
This document sets out to specify the protocol for communication between a remote controller and the
Domino DDC-3 Laser Coder. The controller can be a personal computer, an industrial controller or some
other device capable of communicating via RS-232 protocols. RS-422 and RS-485 protocols can also be
used, provided that adapters to RS-232 are fitted at the DDC-3 end of the communication cable.
This document assumes that the Laser Coder is suitably configured (see page 7) and the remote controller
is capable of supporting the hardware and software requirements listed in the hardware section (see pages 5
and 6).
This document should be read in conjunction with the DDC-3 User Guide (incorporated in the
Maintenance Manual), and the DDC3 Maintenance Manual, Part # L027213. These manuals will give
the reader information about how the different software settings will affect the operation of the Coder.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-1
Hardware
Interface Type
The data communication channel is based on a full duplex signaling RS232C serial interface.
Serial Input pin connections.
2 COM ports are provided within the DDC-3. COM1 is factory-configured as a Bulgin Connector on
the cabinet side or a 9-way Male D-connector port located inside the cabinet on the computer shelf, and
COM2 as a 9-way Male D-Connector port located on the PCB Backplane under the Motherboard on the
left hand side.
It is possible to configure the DDC-3 to use either port COM1 or COM2 for remote control - see page 7
for configuration details.
COM1:
9 way D-type Connector Pin-out (RS232C)
Pin No
Function
DTR
Tx Data output to Laser Coder
Rx Data input to Laser Coder
DCD/DSR
Power Ground
DTR
CTS - Clear to Send - to Laser Coder (input)
RTS - Request to send - from Laser Coder (output)
Shield Ground
COM2:
9 way D-type Connector Pin-out (RS232C)
Pin No
Function
DCD
Rx
Data input from Laser Coder
Tx
Data output to Laser Coder
DTR
0v Signal ground
DSR
RTS from Laser Coder (output)
CTS
RI
10
NC
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-2
Note:
Located on the side of the cabinet is a series of connectors used for connecting external equipment to the
Laser Coder. The RS232 port is the top most connector (see the External Equipment Wiring Diagram
located on cabinet door). Use a NON NULL-Modem cable or adapter when connecting through this
port.
Inside the cabinet on the left side of the computer shelf is a standard 9-pin RS232 connector that can also
be used for communicating to the Coder. Use a NULL-Modem cable or adapter when connecting
through this port.
Baud Rate and Data Word Format

The Baud Rate to be used for communication is most easily set via the VGA screen or attached Laptop
(running VTE) at the time of installation. The Baud Rate is set in the Remote Parameters Menu (f2 from
the Setup Menu - f10).
The possible settings for the Baud Rate are shown below. The software default is 19200 Baud. Any
chosen alternative rate is retained in the battery-backed memory and will only be reset to the default
setting following a clearing of the battery backed memory.
It is technically possible, but not recommended, to alter the Baud Rate via a Remote Control Sequence.
See the detailed information on the Esc 9 command for full details.
Available Baud Rates are:
600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 and 115,200.
Note that a change to the Baud Rate used by the DDC-3 will necessitate a matching change at the
Remote Controller.
Data Word
The Data Word format to be used for communication is most easily set via the VGA screen or attached
Laptop (running VTE) at the time of installation. The Data Word Format is set in the Remote
Parameters Menu (f2 from the Setup Menu - f10).
The software default Data Word format is made up as follows:
7 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Even Parity
Other settings are available, such as 8-bit transmission, 2 Stop Bits and "Odd" and "No" Parity. See the
DDC-3 User Guide for more details.
Note that a change to these parameters will require a matching change at the Remote Controller for
successful communication to continue.
Certain error and feedback messages in non-English languages require 8-bit Data Transmission. Such
messages may therefore not transmit correctly unless 8 bit, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity format is used.
Commands which may require these settings are noted as such in the detailed command descriptions.
It is technically possible, but not recommended, to alter the Data Word Format via a series of Remote
Control Sequences. See the detailed information on the "Esc :", "Esc <" and "Esc ;" commands for full
details.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-3
Flow Control
No means is provided for Flow Control in this version of software.
Instead, it is recommended that the Remote Controller should wait for a command response from the
DDC-3 before sending subsequent commands.
COM Port Configuration

It is possible to configure the DDC-3 to use either COM1 or COM2 for Remote Control. This is
achieved using the DIPswitches 5, 6 and 7 on the Laser Controller Board.
It is possible to set the DDC-3 to communicate with a Remote Computer in three ways:
To automatically boot into Remote Control mode, without activating the attached VGA screen.
To activate the VGA screen, and move immediately to Remote Control mode upon software startup.
To move from Local Control (via a keyboard or laptop) to Remote Control mode under User
Control, using Ctl-F1 from the Main Menu.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-4
DDC3 Remote Control DIP switch configurations:

DIP
SWITCH
1
SETTING
1
UP
DN
234
2
UP
UP
UP
UP
DN
DN
DN
DN
3
UP
UP
DN
DN
UP
UP
DN
DN
4
UP
DN
UP
DN
UP
DN
UP
DN
567
5
UP
6
UP
7
UP
UP
UP
DN
UP
DN
UP
UP
DN
DN
DN
UP
UP
DN
UP
DN
DN
DN
UP
DN
DN
DN
8
UP
DN
05-30-00 Issue 2
FUNCTION OF THIS SETTING

Database Reset / Data Base Store
Stores the user database in battery backed RAM
on laser controller board
Erases the user Database and resets the software
to the default settings at Boot-Up.
Start up Message Selection
Message 00 is selected at Boot-Up
Select Message via Remote Selector
Use Last Message Selected at Boot-Up. This is
standard operating mode.
Firmware Run Mode
BIOS Remote on COM 1. Used for
copying databases and loading of
software.
VTE Control on COM1/ Remote on
COM2. Video Terminal Emulation via
RS232.
VTE Control on COM2/ Remote on
COM1. Video Terminal Emulation via
RS232.
Start in PCVID Mode with Remote
Control on COM2
Start in PCVID Mode with Remote
Control on COM1
Remote Control on COM1. PC Video
Mode is OFF, the front screen is blank
in this mode.
Remote Control on COM2. PC Video
Mode is OFF, the front screen is blank
in this mode.
PC Video Mode / Remote Control on
COM1. This is standard operating mode.
Coder Boot Mode
Local Boot from Laser Controller Board.
Standard operating mode.
External Boot from Floppy Drive. Floppy
Drive must be selected in CMOS settings.
Page 2-5
Activating the VGA screen with Remote Control Mode selected
Use DIP switch positions Dn+Dn+Dn.
Press Ctl-F1 from the Main Menu to activate Remote Control Mode, then turn off Mains
Power to the DDC-3.
Upon restarting, the DDC-3 will boot automatically into Remote Control mode with the
VGA screen activated.
A password may be required to access Remote Control Mode. The software default for this
password is "DLI". It is possible to edit or remove this password using either the VGA screen or
Laptop, or via a Remote Command sequence.
The same password will then be required to exit from Remote Control Mode back to Local User
Control. It is possible to "lock" the DDC-3 and prevent the user from gaining local control - see
the Esc " command for full details.
Single-Drop Mode (Station ID = 0)

If a single RS-232 or RS-422 line is being used between the Remote Controller and DDC-3, the
DDC-3 is considered to be in Single-Drop Mode.
This includes DDC-3s networked via Domino's Jetlink and Codelink software products, which
use dedicated converter boxes to address the individual DDC-3s on the network.
In these cases, set the Station ID to be 00 (zero) in the Remote Parameters Menu (f2 from the
Setup menu - f10).
In Single-Drop Mode, including the Station ID of 00 (double zero - ASCII 48, 30H) in any of
the Remote Command Sequences will cause a negative acknowledgment (NAK - 21).
Multi-Drop Mode and Station ID

The DDC-3 software incorporates a simple means for connecting up to 99 DDC-3s to a single
Remote Controller.
To make use of this feature, each DDC-3 must be allocated a unique Station ID number between
01 and 99. The Station ID is set in the Remote Parameters Menu (f2 from the Setup Menu f10).
To direct a command to a particular DDC-3, include its Station ID as part of each Remote
Command, after the Esc or FS byte. The Station ID should be sent as two consecutive ASCII
digits (ASCII 48-57, 30H - 39H)
Note that if the Station ID of any DDC-3 Coder is set to zero (the software default), the Remote
Command interpreter in that DDC-3 will not expect a Station ID, and including it will cause a
NAK (21) response to all commands sent to all stations.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-6
Software Protocol
General
In the following sections, all references to hexadecimal values will be shown as the number
followed by an upper case 'H'. All reference to digits or characters refer to characters as defined in
the standard ASCII chart. For example, '1' will be represented by the character code value
(031H) and 'Y' by character code value (059H).
For clarity there is a 'slash' character (/) shown between the various parameters in the commands.
It is not to be transmitted as part of the data.
Remote Control Command Structure
All Remote Control commands to the Laser Coder commence with "Escape" <Esc> (1BH) or
FS <FS> (1CH), and may include one or more parameter fields. A Carriage return (Cr) will
be required to terminate any commands requiring parameters. The detailed Command
Descriptions show clearly where a Cr is required.
A typical command takes the following form:
Esc / StationID / Direction / Command Specifier / Head Designator / Value 1 / Value 2 / Cr
where:
Esc = 1BH (ASCII 27)
(note that FS (ASCII 28, 1CH) is also used for

some commands)
and Cr = 0DH (ASCII 13)

StationID is required only if multiple DDC-3s are connected to the same Transmit and
Receive data lines. See page 11 for more detail on the Multi-drop mode.
Direction is specified as:
or
> (3EH, ASCII 62)
= Write to Laser Coder
< (3CH, ASCII 60)
= Read from Laser Coder
Command Specifier is a single ASCII character between Sp (20H, ASCII 32) and ~ (7EH,
ASCII 126).
Head Designator, Value 1 and Value 2 are additional parameters required for some
commands, and the complete string of bytes is always terminated by Cr (0DH, ASCII 13).
If additional Parameters are not required, the command is processed immediately, without the
need for a Cr.
On a single-headed Laser Coder, where reference is made to a Head Designator, this should
always be 'A' (ASCII 65, 041H).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-7
Acknowledgment of Commands
In all cases, a positive or negative acknowledgment of requested information will be returned by
the Laser Coder to indicate reception and interpretation of a command.
A positive acknowledgment to a write-type command consists of a single character, ASCII
6, <ACK> (06H).
A positive acknowledgment to a read-type command consists of a string of data, terminated
with a Cr (0DH, ASCII 13). If there is no data to be returned (for example, when reading a
blank message format), the acknowledgment will be simply the single character Cr (0DH, ASCII
13).
A negative acknowledgment consists of a single character, ASCII 21, <NACK> (015H). A
negative acknowledgment may be caused by:
Missing Direction Byte Failing to send a > or < byte.
Invalid Command
Attempting to use an invalid Command Specifier
Missing Parameter
Failing to include Head Designator (A or B) or Item

Numbers when required.
Incorrect Parameters
Sending insufficient or incorrectly formatted parameters
Invalid Parameters
Sending Parameters outside the legal values
See the diagram on the following page for all cases where a NAK may be sent.
Other Responses
Sending the CAN (ASCII 24, 18H) command will reset the DDC-3 COM port, cancel any
Remote Control commands being transmitted, and cancel any polling-type commands in process.
In Single-Drop Mode, the DDC-3 acknowledges the CAN command by echoing the CAN
(ASCII 24, 18H) back to the Remote Controller (see note 1 below).
Other responses are possible - see Appendix A for details.
Remote Command Interpreter Logic

The diagram on the following page shows the logic used by the software in processing a Remote
Control command sequence.
The possible paths taken by correctly transmitted commands are shown in bold.
Notes:
1. See Appendix A. LERR (ASCII 16, 10H) and the DDC-3s echo of the CAN (ASCII 24,
18H) command are not sent if multi-drop mode is being used (i.e. station ID is non zero).
2. Polling-type commands, such as Esc ~ and Esc {, send a ACK (06H) response back to the
remote controller when the specified action occurs or specified state is reached. See the
specific command instructions for more details.
In practice, the DDC-3 checks the polling status every time a byte is fetched from the COM
port, but for clarity, this check is shown here only once.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 2-8
Remote Command Interpreter Logic (cont.)
Is there a COM port frame N

error? (e.g. parity)
Check and process Pollingcommand status 2
Is a byte available?
Send LERR 1
(10H), purge
FIFO and reset
COM port
Echo CAN 1 (ASCII 24,

018H), quit Polling-type
command (if any) and reset
COM port
Is byte = CAN (ASCII

24, 018H)?
N
Is byte = ESC (ASCII 27) or

FS (ASCII 28)?
Y
Send NACK (06H) and
reset COM port
Get Station ID (2 bytes). Are both

bytes = ASCII digits (30H-39H)?
Is Remote Station ID
set to 0 ?
Y
Get Direction Indicator (1

byte).
Is byte valid (< or >)?
Y
Get Command Byte

(1 byte).
Is the byte valid ?
Y
Gather Head Specifier and / or

Parameter(s) until Cr is received
Is a Head Specifier or
Parameter required?
N
Process Command using Head

Specifier and / or Parameter(s).
No Carriage Return required, so

Process Command immediately
Did command complete

successfully?
Y
Y
05-30-00 Issue 2
"Write"-type command:
Send ACK (06)
"Read"-type command:
Send ASCII string terminated
with Cr
Page 2-9
Command Summary
The commands fall into several categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Printer Diagnostic Commands

a)
Read Copyright / Software Version
b)
Read fault log / Clear fault log
c)
Read current fault status
d)
Read current Mark Enable Status
Printer Start / Stop
a)
Enable / Disable Marking
b)
Run Cold Start Sequence
c)
Enable / Disable Mark Inhibit
Poll for Printer Status
a)
Wait for Mark Cycle to Active
b)
Wait for Mark Cycle to Inactive
c)
Wait for Mark Status Active
d)
Wait for Mark Status Inactive
Message & Symbol Programming
a)
Message Strings
b)
Message Comments
c)
Symbols
d)
Symbol Comments
e)
Time Mark Macro strings
f)
Selected Message for display in Main Menu
Master Clock Setup Commands
a)
Master Clock Date
b)
Master Clock Time
c)
Expiration Update Time
d)
Daylight Savings Enable/Disable
e)
Week Begin Day
f)
Year Begin Month
g)
Expired Clock time periods
h)
Expired Clock delays
i)
Shift Times
j)
Shift Codes
k)
Julian Leap Day #
l)
Hour Encoding String
m)
Day Encoding String
n)
Month Encoding String
o)
Clock References
p)
Month #2 Encoding String
q)
r)
s)
05-30-00 Issue 2
Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Start Hour
Daylight Savings End Hour
Esc Sp
Esc !
Esc > "
Esc < ~
Esc |
Esc > ~
Esc n
Esc > {
Esc < {
Esc > }
Esc < }
Esc =
Esc >
Esc ?
Esc @
Esc A
Esc E
Esc 0
Esc 1
Esc 2
Esc 3
Esc 4
Esc 5
Esc 6
Esc 7
Esc l
Esc m
FS "
Esc p
Esc q
Esc r
Esc t
Esc u
FS F
FS G
FS H
Page 3-1
t)
u)
v)
w)
x)
y)
z)
aa)
05-30-00 Issue 2
Daylight Savings Start Week

Daylight Savings End Week
Daylight Savings Start Day
Daylight Savings End Day
Daylight Savings Start Month
Daylight Savings End Month
Daylight Savings Start Flag
Daylight Savings End Flag
FS I
FS J
FS K
FS L
FS M
FS N
FS O
FS P
Page 3-2
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Default Mark Controls Parameters

a)
Internal or External Stroking
b)
Internal Stroke Period
c)
Default External Stroke Divider
d)
Default Laser Pulse Width
e)
Default Hardware Mark Delay
f)
Default Message Font
Universal Mark Parameters
a)
Message Reverse
b)
Message Invert (Flip)
c)
Repeat Gap
d)
Repeat Count
e)
Auto Count
Twin-Line Setup Parameters
a)
Twin-Line Mode
b)
Twin-Line Justification Delay
c)
Twin-Line Minimum Delay
d)
Twin-Line Top-line control
e)
Twin-Line Mark-first Parameter
Insert Controls
a)
Insert Mode
b)
Insert Timers
c)
Insert Length
d)
Insert Trigger
e)
Initial Insert #
f)
Insert Auto Count
g)
Insert Auto Repeat
h)
Insert Strings
Counters
a)
Counter Format Strings
b)
Counter Start Values
c)
Counter End Values
d)
Counter Current Values
e)
Counter Step Values
f)
Counter Ending Action
g)
Counter External Reset
h)
Counter Repeat Count
i)
Counter Step Control
j)
System Counter Display
05-30-00 Issue 2
Esc G
Esc H
Esc I
Esc J
Esc K
Esc j
Esc L
Esc M
Esc N
Esc O
Esc P
Esc R
Esc S
Esc T
Esc U
Esc V
Esc X
Esc Y
Esc Z
Esc [
Esc \
Esc ]
Esc ^
Esc _
Esc a
Esc b
Esc c
Esc d
Esc e
Esc f
Esc g
Esc h
Esc w
Esc s
Page 3-3
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Passwords
a)
Password strings
b)
Password Wait Time
Remote Mode Control Commands
a)
Terminate Remote Mode
b)
Lock / unlock Console Terminate with f1 Key
c)
Transmit Control
Remote Mode Setup Commands
a)
Remote Mode Station ID #
b)
Remote Mode Baud Rate
c)
Remote Mode Data Bits
d)
Remote Mode Parity Type
e)
Remote Mode Stop Bits
Screen Parameters and Menu Setup Parameters
a)
Head Selection in Main Menu
b)
Laser Head Count
c)
Head Select in Message Selector
d)
Head Selection in Setup Menus
e)
Head Selection in Twin-Line Menu
f)
Insert Selection in Inserts Menu
g)
Counter Selection in Counters Menu
h)
Controller Selection in I/O Test Menu
i)
Head Selection in ColdStart Menu
j)
Laser Head Selection in Laser Test Menu
k)
Error Message Box Display Time
l)
Select Language for Screen Display
m)
Select Function Key Markers
n)
Select Message Display Pixels
o)
System Counter Display
p)
Select Insert / Overtype
System Utility Commands
a)
Flash RAM Setup / Shutdown
b)
Flash RAM Erase
c)
Flash RAM Read / Write
d)
Battery-backed RAM Read / Write
e)
ASCDBASE strings
05-30-00 Issue 2
FS %
FS &
Esc < "
Esc #
FS =
Esc 8
Esc 9
Esc :
Esc ;
Esc <
Esc B
Esc C
Esc D
Esc F
Esc Q
Esc W
Esc `
FS (
FS )
FS 0
FS '
FS Sp
FS #
FS $
Esc k
Esc o
Esc $
Esc %
Esc &
Esc '
Esc (
Page 3-4
16.
17.
18.
ColdStart Parameters
a)
ColdStart Pulse Count
b)
ColdStart Pulse Width
c)
ColdStart Pulse Period
d)
Fault Strobe Position
e)
Idle Pulse Width
f)
Enable / Disable Idle Pulse Mode
Laser Setup Parameters
a)
Enable / Disable Laser # 1
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Laser Count 5 / 7
i)
Laser Test Mode Pulse Width
j)
Laser Test Mode Pulse Period
k)
Laser Test Mode Trigger
l)
Duty Cycle Limit (Contact DLI)
m)
All Laser Enable
n)
Laser Channel Swap
o)
Laser Pulse Width
p)
Twinline Test Position
Miscellaneous
a)
Mark Overlap as Hard / Soft Fault
b)
Alert Types
c)
RF Fault Type
d)
Air Vac Fault Type
e)
Air Vac Time Delay
05-30-00 Issue 2
FS *
FS +
FS ,
FS FS .
FS /
FS 1
FS 2
FS 3
FS 4
FS 5
FS 6
FS 7
FS 8
FS 9
FS :
FS ;
FS B
FS <
FS >
FS E
FS D
FS !
FS C
FS A
FS @
FS ?
Page 3-5
19.
Unused (spare) commands

a) Esc )
b) Esc *
c) Esc +
d) Esc ,
e) Esc f) Esc .
g) Esc /
h) Esc v
i) Esc x
j) Esc y
k) Esc z
l) Esc (
m) ESC i
Command Descriptions
The individual commands are described in detail in the following pages.
Each page is organized as follows:
Title and Command Reference

Brief Description
Command Format
Definitions of control bytes and legal parameter ranges
Examples of typical commands
Usage Notes - specific notes related to each command to assist the user/ programmer.
The command descriptions are organized here in ASCII order, starting with 'Esc Sp' through 'Esc
~', then 'FS Sp' through 'FS ;'
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 3-6
Read Software Version / Copyright:
Esc Sp
This command allows the software version and Domino copyright to be read by the Host computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/Sp2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII ( 27)
Station ID=
01 through 99 (2 ASCII digits) 1
Direction of Data Transfer:
Read: use > or < - see below
Sp =
ASCII (32)
Examples:
Read (1):
Esc 15> Sp
DDC3 Response:
Reads the software version for station 151.

4.00 Cr
(or NACK (21) for invalid format)
Read (2):
Esc 15 < Sp
DDC3 Response:
Reads Domino Copyright for Station 15

Copyright 1996 Domino Laser Cr
(or NACK (21) for invalid format)
Where:
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Usage Notes:
1. Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3s
Station ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2. Carriage return is not required for system response.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-1
Read / Clear Fault Log:
Esc !
This command allows the Fault Log to be Read or Cleared by the Host computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/!/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII ( 27)
Station ID=
01 through 99 (2 ASCII digits).1
Write: use >
!=
ASCII (33)
Value Ranges
00 through 99. (3 ASCII digits)2.
Cr =
ASCII (13)2.
Read: use <
Examples:
Read:
Esc 15<! 000 Cr

Typical DDC3 Response:
where:
Reads Fault 000 of station 151.

Hd:A clr:0 Ack:0
Fault 10/09/97 15:02:18 DC Power
Cr
Hd:A = Head A or B
clr:0 = cleared (1) or not cleared (0) from Fault Display
Ack:0 = Acknowledged (1) or not (0)
Fault = Fault or Other (in selected language)
10/9/97 15:02:18 = Date and time of fault
DC Power = Fault Type (in selected language)
Write:
Esc15>!2
Clears Fault Log on station 15.
DDC3 Response:
ACK (06) or NACK (21)
Usage Notes:
1. Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3s Station ID to
zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2. Value and Carriage return required on read only.

3. Fault 000 is not necessarily the most recent fault. Read all faults and then sort on time to get the most recent fault.
4. The Faults are recorded in the Fault log in a continuing cycle, starting at #000 when then log is cleared, and
continuing through to #999. Then #000 is overwritten by a new fault, and so on.
Read Current Fault Status / Terminate Remote Control: Esc
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-2
This command allows the current Fault status to be read by the Host Computer, or Remote Control to be Terminated by
the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction//Head/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII ( 27)
Station ID=
write: use >
ASCII (34)
Head Designator
A or B.
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Response Format to Read command:

ASCII string in the format
where:
Fault
Bit
Bit 0
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
Bit 7
Bit 8
cc.hh.ss.ll.rr Cr
cc = byte of Critical Faults
ss = byte of Soft Faults
rr = byte of RF Faults
Hex
Mask
0x0001
0x0002
0x0004
0x0008
0x0010
0x0020
0x0040
0x0080
0x0100
Note:
05-30-00 Issue 2
Critical
Faults
Modulation
Hard
Faults
Interlock
DC Power
Head Temp.
Printer 6
Hard Overlap 5
Cab Temp
Air Vac
RF Power
Duty Cycle
hh = byte of Hard Faults

ll = byte of Laser Faults
. = ASCII (46), Cr = ASCII (13)
Soft
Faults
Soft Overlap 5
Laser Fault8
RF fault7
Cab Temp
Air Vac
Vac Check
Laser
Faults 4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
RF
Faults
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
The specific fault byte, when ANDed with Hex Mask, will be non-zero if the fault is present, and
zero if the fault is not present..
Page 4-3
Examples:
Read:
Esc 15 > A Cr
Reads current fault status of Head A, station 15 1
DDC3 Response:
00.00.00.00.00 Cr (if no faults are present)

or NACK (21) for bad command.
Sample Fault Responses:
00.00.00.00.00
No Fault Present
01.00.00.00.00
Modulation Fault
00.01.00.00.00
Interlock
00.02.00.00.00
DC Power
00.04.00.00.00
Head Temperature
00.08.00.00.00
Printer
00.10.00.00.00
Hard Mark Overlap
00.00.01.00.00
Soft Mark Overlap
00.00.04.00.2A
RF Faults on Channels 2,4,6
00.00.08.00.00
Cab Temperature
00.40.00.00.00
Air Vac
Combinations of Faults all at one time:

00.05.04.00.01
Write:
Interlock + Head Temp + RF 1
Esc < Cr
Terminates Remote Control2, 3
DDC3 Response:
ACK (06) or NACK (21) if not possible 3
Usage Notes:
2. Terminate Remote Control returns the DDC3 to the main menu (without lockout).
3. Not available if DDC3 is booted into Remote Control via the DIP switches.
4. Whilst Laser Fault is available in software, the DDC3 Hardware will never generate this fault.
5. Mark Overlap will generate either a Hard or Soft Fault, depending on the setting within the software (see Fs !
command)
6. Printer faults are generated when the DDC3 software is run under DOS, and the LPT1 (or LPT2) port is
signaling Not Ready for some reason. Ensure the LPT1 (or LPT2) Parallel Printer is On-Line and has Paper
available. Do not attempt to use a redirected Network printer.
LPT1 is used for Head A, and LPT2 is used for Head B.
7. This bit will be set if an RF fault is present on any channel. The specific channel can be read from the fifth byte.
8. This bit will be set if a Laser fault is present on any channel (see note4 above). The specific channel can be read
from the fourth Byte.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-4
Lock / Unlock Local Front Panel:
Esc #
This command allows the DDC-3 front panel/keyboard to be locked or unlocked by the Host computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/#2
Where:
Esc=
ASCII ( 27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
#=
ASCII (35)
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > #
This will lock the front panel of station 151

DDC3 Response: ACK (06) completed
NACK (21) invalid command
Read3:
Esc 15 < #
This will unlock the front panel of
station151
DDC3 Response: ACK (06) or NACK (21)
Usage Notes:
2.
Carriage return is not required for system response.
3.
This also forces a screen refresh.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-5
Set / Read Flash Setup and Shutdown: Esc $
This command allows Flash Ram setup and Shutdown by the Host Computer.
This command is intended for System Use only.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/$/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
01 through 99 (2 ASCII digits)1
Write: use >
$=
ASCII (36)
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode,
set the DDC-3s Station ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
All Technical questions regarding the use of this command should be referred to
Domino Laser Technical Support at +1 (714) 385-3200 (USA).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-6
Flash Ram Erase: Esc %
This command allows the Flash Ram to be erased by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/%/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
%=
ASCII (37)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-7
Set / Read Flash Ram: Esc &
This command allows the Host Computer to read or write to the Flash Ram.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/&/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
&=
ASCII (38)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-8
Set / Read Batram: Esc
This command allows Host Computer to read or write to the Battery backed Ram.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction//Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
' =
ASCII (39)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-9
ASCII data base Upload or Download: Esc (

This command is not used
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-10
ESC )
This Command is not used.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-11
ESC *
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-12
ESC +
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-13
ESC ,
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-14
ESC -
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-15
ESC .
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-16
ESC /
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-17
Set / Read Master Clock Date: Esc 0

This command allows the Master Clock Date to be set by, or read to the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/0/Value 3 /Cr 3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
01 through 99 (2ASCII digits)1
Write: use >
0=
ASCII (48)
Value Ranges:
MMDDYY
Read: use <
MM=
Month as 2 ASCII digits (01-12)
DD=
Day as 2 ASCII digits (01-31)2
YY=
Year as 2 ASCII digits (00-99)
Cr=
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
RTC_DATE4,5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 0 051097 Cr
This sets clock date of station 151to

May 10 1997
Read:
Usage Notes:
1.
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Esc 15 < 0 3
This Reads the clock date of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
051097 Cr
or NACK (21) for invalid command.
set the DDC3,s Station ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
The number of days entered may not exceed number of days in the specified month.
3.
Value and Cr are not required for Read Command
4.
See Appendix E for details on ASCDBASE setup and use.
5.
RTC_TIME and RTC_DATE are extracted from the DDC3 database into the file solely for the purposes of
time-stamping the extracted database file. If these parameters are loaded back into the DDC3 using
ASCDBASE /W, these 2 lines are ignored, and the time and date will not be changed within the DDC3. To
change the time and date within the DDC3, use the Master Clock Menu.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-18
Set / Read Master Clock Time: Esc 1

This command allows the Master Clock Time to be set by, or read to the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/1/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
1=
ASCII (49)
Value Ranges:
HHmmss
Read: use <
HH=
Hours as 2 ASCII digits (01-24)
mm=
Minutes as 2 ASCII digits (00-59)
ss=
Seconds as 2 ASCII digits (00-59)
Cr=
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
RTC_TIME3,4
Examples:
Esc 15 > 1 141515 Cr
This sets clock time of station 151 to

14:15:15.
DDC-3 Response:
Esc 15 < 1 2
ACK (06) completed

This Reads the clock time of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
141515 Cr
or NACK (21) for invalid command.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and Carriage Return are not required for read command.
3.
4.
time-stamping the extracted database file. If these parameters are loaded back into the DDC-3 using
ASCDBASE /W, these 2 lines are ignored, and the time and date will not be changed within the DDC3. To
change the time and date within the DDC3, use the Master Clock Menu.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-19
Set / Read Expiration Update Time: Esc 2

This command allows the Expiration update Time to be set by, or read to the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
Esc=
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
2=
ASCII (50)
Value Ranges:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0 = Midnight
1= Last Shift
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
EXP_UPDT3
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 20 Cr
Sets expiration update time of station151.to

midnight
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 3 2
ACK (06) completed

Reads the expiration update time of station 151.
DDC3 Response: 0 Cr (= Midnight)
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC-3s Station ID to
2.
Value and Carriage return is not required for read command.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-20
Set / Read Daylight Savings: Esc 3

This command allows daylight Savings Time to enabled or disabled by the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
3=
ASCII (51)
Legal Values:
0 = Disabled
1= USA
2 = EURO
3= USER
Cr=
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
DSE_ENAD4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 30 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 3 2
Enables daylight savings time of station151.

ACK (06) completed
This Reads the Daylight Savings Status of
station 151.
DDC-3 Response: 0 Cr
(= Disabled)
Usage Notes:
1. Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC-3s Station ID to
2. Value and Carriage return is not required for read command.

3. Daylight Savings compensation is disabled, so this command has no effect, in this version of software.
4. See Appendix E for details on ASCDBASE setup and use.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-21
Set / Read Week Begin Day: Esc 4

This command allows the week begin day to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/4/Value 2/Cr 2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
4=
ASCII (52)
Value Ranges:
0 to 7
Read: use <
0= Sunday
4= Thursday
1= Monday
5= Friday
2= Tuesday
6= Saturday
3= Wednesday
Cr=
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag=
WEEK_BEG3
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 4 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc < 4 2
Sets Week begin day of station151.to Monday

ACK (06) completed
This reads the week begin day of Station 00.

DDC-3 Response:
1 Cr
(= Monday)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and Carriage return are not required for read command.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-22
Set / Read Year Begin Month: Esc 5

This command allows the Year begin month to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
5=
ASCII (53)
Value Ranges:
1 to122
Read: use <
1=January
5=May 9=September
2=February
6=June 10=Octorber
3=March
7=July
4=April
8=August
11=November
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
YEAR_BEG3
12=December
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 5 2 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 52
DDC-3 Response:
Sets Year begin Month of station 151.to February.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the year begin Month of station 151.
2 Cr
(= February)
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode,
set the DDC3s Station ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-23
Set / Read Clock Types: Esc 6

This command allows the Clock types to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/6/Value1/Value22/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
6=
ASCII (54)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value 1:
Clock #
1 to 15 (1 ASCII digit)
Value 2:
Mode
1= Days
3= Months
2= Weeks
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CLK_TYPE3
4= Years
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 6 1 2 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 6 1 Cr 2
DDC-3 Response:
Sets Clock 1 of station 151 to Weeks mode.

ACK (06) completed
Reads Clock 1 of station 151.

2 Cr
(= weeks mode)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value 2 is not required for read command. Carriage Return is always required.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-24
Set / Read Clock Delays: Esc 7

This command allows the Clock Delays to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/7/Value1/Value22/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
7=
ASCII (55)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value 1:
Value 2:
0000 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CLK_DLY3
(4 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 7 1 0001 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 7 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Sets Clock delay of station 151 to 1.unit of time

(see Esc 6)
ACK (06) completed
Reads the Delay of Clock 1 station 151.
1 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value2 is not required for read command. Carriage Return is always required.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-25
Set / Read Remote Station ID: Esc 8
This command allows the Remote Station ID to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
8=
ASCII (56)
Value:
00-99
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
REM_ID5
Read: use <
(2 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 8 01 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 8 2
DDC-3 Response:
Changes station ID from 15 to 01.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the station ID of Station 15
15 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Do not use this command in single-station mode.
4.
This command should be used with care, since all subsequent remote commands will need to use the new
Station ID ( or the DDC3 will ignore those subsequent commands).
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-26
Set / Read Communication Baud Rate: Esc 9

This command allows the Communication Baud Rate to be set or read by the Host Computer4.
Command:
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
9=
ASCII (57)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
1 to 9
(1 ASCII digit)
1=600bps
4=4800bps
7=38400bps
2=1200bps
5=9600bps
8=57600bps
3=2400bps
6=19200bps
9=115200bps
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
REM_BAUD4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > 9 1 Cr
Sets Communication Baud Rate of station 151 to

600 bps3
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < 9 2
DDC-3 Response:
ACK ( 06) completed

Reads the Communication Baud Rate.
1 Cr (= 600 Baud)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and Carriage return are not required for read command
3.
In order to insure that correct communication is maintained between the Host Computer and the DDC-3
system, the Baud Rates must match at both ends.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-27
Set / Read Remote Communication Data Bits: Esc :

This command allows the Remote Mode Communication Bit Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/ : / Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
:=
ASCII (58)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
7 or 8
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
REM_BITS4
(1 ASCII digit)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > : 8 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < : 8 2
DDC-3 Response:
Sets the data bit rate of station 151 to 8.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the data bit rate of station 151.

8 Cr (= 8 Data Bits)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
In order to insure that correct communication is maintained between the Host

Computer and the DDC-3 system the Data Bit Count must match at both ends.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-28
Set / Read Remote Parity Type: Esc ;

This command allows the Remote Parity Type to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/ ; / Value 2/Cr 2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
;=
ASCII (59)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 through 3 (1 ASCII digit)

0= None1= Odd 2= Even
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
REM_PAR4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ; 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < ; 2
DDC-3 Response:
Sets Remote Parity Type of station 151 to Odd 3.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the remote Parity Type of station 151.

1 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and Carriage return are not required for on read command.
3.
system the Parity Type must match.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-29
Set / Read Stop Bits: Esc <

This command allows Remote Communications Stop Bits to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/</Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
<=
ASCII (60)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
1 or 2
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
REM_STOP4
(1 ASCII digit)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > < 2 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < < 2

DDC-3 Response:
Sets Stop Bits of station 151 to 2

ACK (06) completed
Reads the Stop Bits of station 151.

2 Cr
(= 2 Stop Bits)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
system, the Stop Bits must be set to the same value at either
end.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-30
Set / Read Message Format Strings: Esc =

This command allows the DDC3 Message Format Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/=/Message#/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
ASCII (61)
Message #
00 through 99 (2 ASCII digits)
Value Ranges:
Read: use <
Up to 253 alphanumeric characters including

embedded commands listed in the table below
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_DATA5
Command Usage:
The string of characters is interpreted by the DDC-3, which stores the message away in compacted format.
Embedded commands can be inserted into the message string at any point, and have the same effect as pressing the
equivalent function key when entering messages from the keyboard.
See the DDC-3 User Guide (L020804) for a complete description of the effects of the various embedded commands.
Embedded Command Table:
In the following table, x designates a variable field of some kind.
Embedded in
Message
<MKDxxxx>
<ARVx>
Hardware Mark Delay

Auto Reverse
strokes
state
Valid values for

x
0003-9999
0 or 1
<RPRx>
Repeat Print
state
0 or 1
<LPWxxxx>
<ISTxxxx>
<EXDxxxx>
<Bx>
<ROTx>
Laser Pulse Width

Internal Stroke Period
External Stroke Divider
Bolderize
Rotate
microsecs
microsecs
pulse counts
Factor
state
0010-9999
0005-65535
0001-65535
1-9
0 or 1
<ARTx>
Auto Rotate
state
0 or 1
<Yxx>
<YYxx>
<YYYYxx>
<Mxx>
<MMxx>
<MMMxx>
<DDxx>
Julian Year
Year
Year
Month Letter
Month Number
Month Name
Date
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
05-30-00 Issue 2
Description
x definition
Comment
For this message only
Enabled or Disabled for this
message only
message only
From this point on
message only
message only
Page 4-31
Embedded in
Message
<JJJxx>
<Dxx>
<DDDxx>
<WWxx>
<axx>
Description
x definition
Julian Date
Day Number
Day Name
Week Number
Alpha Day
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
Valid values for

x
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
<HHxx>
<Hxx>
<hhxx>
<QQxx>
<mmxx>
<ssxx>
<Axx>
<AMxx>
<Sxx>
24 Hour
Alpha Hour
12 hour
Quarter Hour
Minutes
Seconds
Morn/Night A/P
Morn/Night AM/PM
Shift Code
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
clock #
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
1-15
<SYMxx>
<CNTx>
<OUTA>
<OUTB>
<DLYxxxx>
<INSx>
<Fx>
Symbol
Counter
User Out A
User Out B
Message Delay
Insert
Font
symbol #
counter #
state
state
strokes
A or B
font #
00-99
1-5
0 or 1
0 or 1
0000-9999
0-1
0-4
<DSx>
<RVx>
<HCxxx>
Double Space
Reverse Video
High-bit character
state
state
ASCII ref.
0 or 1
0 or 1
000-255
<NL>
Next Line (twin line)
Comment
0=A, 1=B
0=5x5, 1=5x7, 2=9x7,

3=3 of 9, 4=6x7, 5=Vx7
See TBN 18 for a list of
available characters
Functional in Twin-Line
mode only.
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > = 32<LPW0250><MKD1000>

<B2>Best Before:<NL><MM01><DD01><YY01> Cr
This sets message 32 of station 151 to have a laser pulse width of 250, a mark delay of 1000,
and to print (if twin line is enabled) Best Before: on the top line with the Month Day Year
expiration of Clock 1 on the second line, all bolderized 2 times, as shown:
Best Before:
10/13/97
Note that the entire string must be sent without additional spaces or other control characters,
except for the trailing Carriage Return.
Read:
05-30-00 Issue 2
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Esc 15 < = 32 Cr2
This Reads message 32 of station 151.
Page 4-32
DDC-3 Response:
<LPW0250><MKD1000><B2>Best Before:
<NL><MM01><DD01><YY01> Cr
Note that the entire string is returned without additional spaces or other control characters, except for
the trailing Carriage Return.
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3,s Station ID to
2.
Value is not required for the read command. Carriage Return is always required.
3.
Incomplete Embedded Commands or Embedded commands with Invalid Values are rejected (the DDC-3 returns a
NACK (21) as a response). For example, sending the message:
Esc 15 > = 32<DD01<YY01> Cr
will be rejected (missing >)
Esc 15 > = 32<DD09><YY01> Cr will be rejected (Clock #9 not OK)
4.
To insert a < or > character into the message, embed that symbol inside a pair of <>, for example: <<> will insert
a < symbol, and <>> will insert a > symbol.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-33
Set / Read Message Comments: Esc >
This command allows Message Comments to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/>/Message #/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
>=
ASCII (62)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Message #:
00-99
Value:
Up to 25 Alphanumeric characters
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_COMM4
(2 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > > 00 LINE 1 Cr2 Set Message Comment 00 3 at station 151 to
LINE 1
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < > 00 Cr2

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Reads Comment for message 00 3

LINE 1 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC-3s Station ID to
2.
3.
Message Comment 00 is associated and displayed with Message 00.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-34
Set / Read Symbol Strings: Esc ?
This command allows the DDC3 Symbol Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/?/Symbol#/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
?=
ASCII (63)
Symbol #
00 through 99 (2 ASCII digits)
Value Ranges:
Cr =
Up to 25 stroke designator sets ( within <>) as

described below4
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
SYM_DATA5
Read: use <
Symbol Representation:
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
1
1G
25
Symbols are designed on a 7-high matrix, up to 25 strokes in

length.
2F
3E
Each cell has either an On or Off state

On = 1 ASCII (49)
Off = . ASCII (46)
A symbol is transmitted to the DDC-3 stroke by stroke, in a single
command.
The correct symbol representation is:

<1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F 1G><2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 2G><3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F 3G> etc.,
where each stroke is enclosed in < and > symbols (ASCII 60 and 62), and each matrix position is replaced by either a 1
(ASCII 49) or a period (ASCII 46).
If the symbol has fewer than 25 strokes, it is not necessary to program the remainder with blank strokes.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-35
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ? 32 <.><1111111><11.1><1.11>

<1..1..1><11.1><1.11><1111111> Cr
This sets symbol 32 of station 151 to mark the symbol shown below.
Note that the entire string must be sent without additional spaces or other control
characters, except for the trailing Cr.
DDC-3 Response:ACK (06): Command completed successfully.
NACK (21) for invalid command or format.
Read:
Esc 15 < ? 32 Cr
This Reads symbol 32 of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
<.><1111111><11.1><1.11>
<1..1..1><11.1><1.11><1111111> Cr
Note that the entire string is returned without additional spaces
or other control characters, except for the trailing Carriage
Return.
The matrix to the left shows the symbol used in the examples
above.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value not required on read command. Carriage Return always required.
3.
On Five laser systems, it is still necessary to specify all seven dots although F and G will be ignored.
4.
Incomplete or incorrectly formatted value strings will cause the DDC3 to reject the command and return a NACK
(21).
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-36
Set / Read Symbol Comments: Esc@
This command allows Symbol Comments to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/@/Symbol #/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
@=
ASCII (64)
Symbol #:
00-99
Value:
Up to 20 Alphanumeric Characters
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
SYM_COMM3
Read: use <
(2 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > @ 00 line 2 Cr2
Symbol Comment for Symbol 00 at station 151

is set to line 2.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < @ 00 Cr 2
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Reads Symbol Comment for Symbol 00.

line 2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-37
Set / Read Time Mark Macro Strings: Esc A
This command allows the DDC3 Time Mark Macro Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/A/Time Mark #/Value 2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Time Mark #
Value Ranges:
alphanumeric characters and embedded commands up to a time

mark length of 25. Embedded commands and their time mark
values are listed in the table below
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
TMK_MACR5
Read: use <
Command Usage:
The string of characters is interpreted by the DDC-3, which stores the message away in compacted format.
Time Stamp Components can be inserted into the message string at any point.
See the DDC-3 User Guide (L020804) for a complete description of the effects of the various embedded commands.
Embedded Command Table:
Imbedded in
Message
Alphanumerics
<Y0>
<YY0>
<YYYY0>
<M0>
<MM0>
<MMM0>
<DD0>
<JJJ0>
<D0>
<DDD0>
<WW0>
<a0>
Each character
Julian Year
Year
Year
Month Letter
Month Number
Month Name
Date
Julian Date
Day Number
Day Name
Week Number
Alpha Day
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
<HH0>
<H0>
<hh0>
<QQ0>
<mm0>
24 Hour
Alpha Hour
12 hour
Quarter Hour
Minutes
3
3
3
3
3
05-30-00 Issue 2
Description
Time Mark
Length
Comment
Page 4-38
Imbedded in
Message
<ss0>
<A0>
<AM0>
<S0>
<SMM>
<M1>
<M2>
<PGMM>
<HS>
Description
Seconds
Morn/Night A/P
Morn/Night AM/PM
Shift Code
Spanish Month Name
Alpha Month #1
Alpha Month #2
Month Name
Half Space
Time Mark
Length
Comment
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > A 2 <MMM0> <DD0>,<YYYY0> <S0> Cr

This sets Time Mark macro 2 of station 151 to print the three letter month, a space, the date, a
comma, the four digit year, a space, and the shift code. The time mark length of this string is
3+1+3+1+3+1+3=15.
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) upon successful completion.

NACK (21) for invalid command.
Read:
Esc 15 < A 3 Cr
This reads Time Mark macro 2 of station 151.
Typical DDC-3 Response: <MMM0> <DD0>,<YYYY0> <S0> Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value is not required on read command, but Cr is required.
3.
Incomplete Embedded Commands or Embedded commands with Invalid Values are rejected (the DDC-3 returns a
NACK (21) as a response). For example, sending the message:
Esc 15 > A 2<DD0<YY0> Cr
Esc 15 > A 2<DD1><YY0> Cr
will be rejected (missing >)

will be rejected (Clock #1 not OK)
4.
To insert a < or > character into the message, embed that symbol inside a pair of <>, for example: <<> will insert
a < symbol, and <>> will insert a > symbol.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-39
Set / Read Main Menu Head Select: Esc B
This command allows the selection of either Head A or Head B by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/B/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 or 1
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Head A
1= Head B
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
HEAD_SEL4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > B 1 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < B2
Selects display of Head B of station 15.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the selected Head of station 15.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (=Head B)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and Carriage return are not required for the read command.
3.
This command affects only the screen display of the DDC3. It does not affect any other Remote Control
commands.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-40
Set / Read Laser Head Count: Esc C
This command allows the Laser Head Count to be set or read by the Host Computer2.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/C/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
C=
ASCII (67)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
00 to 02 (2 ASCII digits)
00= Auto select
01= 1 Head
02= 2 Heads
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
HEAD_MOD4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > C 01 Cr2
This selects single Head mode at station 15.1
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 <3
ACK (06) completed

Reads number of heads selected for station 15.1
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr
(= 1 head only)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
System must be restarted before changes to Head count take effect.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-41
Set / Read Message Select/Head Select: Esc D
This command allows the option of applying the selected message to either Head A, Head B or Both Heads when
selecting message using the keyboard (only).
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/D/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
00= Head A only 01= Head B only
02= Both Heads simultaneously
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_HEAD4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > D 01 Cr
This directs the selected message

of station 151 to Head B only.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < D2
ACK (06) completed

Reads current value from station 15.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= Head B only)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
This command does not affect any other Remote Control commands.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-42
Set / Read Selected Message Number: Esc E
This command allows the Host Computer to select a specific message number for a specific Head to be displayed on the
front screen.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/E/Head2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
E=
ASCII (69)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_SLCT5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > E A 01 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < E A Cr 3
This selects message 01 for display as Head A message on station

151.
ACK (06) completed
Reads Current displayed message for Head A at
station 151.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= Message 01 displayed)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Head Designator is required in all cases. For single head units , use A.
3.
4.
If a blank (unprogrammed) message is selected it will still be displayed.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-43
Set / Read Setup Menus Head Select: Esc F
This command allows the Laser Head Selector in all setup menus to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/F/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc=
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 2
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Head A
2= Both
1= Head B
Cr=
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CTL_HEAD4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > F 01 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < F2
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr
This selects the Laser Head Selector in all setup menus to be

Head B at station 151.
ACK(06) completed
Reads the selected Default menu for station 151.

(= Head B)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
This head selector has no effect on other Remote Control commands.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-44
Set / Read Internal/External Stroking: Esc G
This command allows the selection of either Internal or External stroke source by the Host Computer, and for the Host
Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/G/Head 2/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
G=
ASCII (71)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 1
(1 ASCII digits)
0= External stroke
1= Internal stroke
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default=
External
ASCDBASE Tag =
STK_SLCT4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > G A 1 Cr
This sets station 151 head A to internal stroke

source.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < G A Cr 2
ACK (06) completed

Reads stroke source for station 151, Head A.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= Internal Stroke selected)
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3s Station ID to
2.
Head Designator is required in all cases. For single head units , use A.
3.
4.
Applies to ALL messages, cannot be applied on a message-by-message basis.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-45
Set / Read Default Internal Stroke Period: Esc H
This command allows the Default Internal Stroke Period to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/H/Head 2/Value6/Cr6
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
H=
ASCII (72)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Value:
00005 to 65535 (5 ASCII digits) in microseconds
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default=
600 microseconds
ASCDBASE Tag =
INT_PER7
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > H A 01000 Cr
This sets Default Internal Stroke Period of

Station 15, Head A to 1000 microseconds.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < H A Cr 3
Station 15.
ACK (06) completed

Reads Default Internal Stoke Period of Head A on
DDC3 Response: 1000 Cr

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Head Designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3.
The Default Internal Stroke Period is used when a message specific period has not been specified.
4.
To set different Internal Stroke Periods for different messages, include the <ISTxxxx> modifier when
programming the message with the Esc = command.
5.
To set identical Default Internal Stroke Period for both heads, use a separate command for each head.
6.
7.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-46
Set / Read Default External Stroke Divider: Esc I

This command allows the Default External Stroke Divider to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/I/Head/Value6/Cr6
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
I=
ASCII (73)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Value Ranges:
00001 to 65535
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default:
=1
ASCDBASE Tag =
EXT_DIV7
Read: use <
(5 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > I A 00005 Cr
This sets the Stroke Divider of station 151 Head A

to 5.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < I A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Stroke Divider value of Head A
Station 151.
DDC3 Response: 5 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
The Default External Stroke Divider is used when a message specific divider has not been specified.
To set different External Stroke Dividers for different messages, include the <EXTxxxx> modifier when
programming the message with the Esc = command.
5.
To set identical Default External Stroke Divider for both heads, use a separate command for each head.
6.
7.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-47
Set / Read Default Laser Pulse Width: Esc J

This command allows the Laser Pulse Width to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/J/Head/Value6/Cr6
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Head Designator:
A or
Value Ranges:
0010 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
200
ASCDBASE Tag =
LSR_PULS7
Read: use <
B.2
(4 ASCII digits) in microseconds
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > J A 0300 Cr
This sets Laser Pulse Width of station

151 Head A to 300.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < J A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads Laser Pulse Width head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
The Default Laser Pulse Width is used when a message specific period has not been specified.
4.
To set different Laser Pulse Widths for different messages, include the <LPWxxxx> modifier when programming
the message with the Esc = command.
5.
To set identical Default Laser Pulse Width for both heads, use a separate command for each head.
6.
7.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-48
Set / Read Default Hardware Mark Delay: Esc K

This command allows the Default Hardware Mark Delay to be set or read the by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/K/Head/Value6/Cr6
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
K=
ASCII (75)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Value Ranges:
0003 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
10
ASCDBASE Tag =
MARK_DLY7
Read: use <
(4 ASCII digits) in strokes
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > K A 0300 Cr
This sets the Mark Delay of head A station

151 to 300.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < K A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads Mark Delay of head A station 151.

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Head designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3.
The Default Hardware Mark Delay is used when message specific delays
are not specified.
4.
To set different delays for different message, include the <MKDxxxx> modifier
when programming the message with the Esc = command.
5.
To set identical Default Hardware Mark Delay for both heads, use a separate
command for each head.
6.
7.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-49
Set / Read Message Reverse: Esc L
This command allows Message Reverse to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/L/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
L=
ASCII (76)
Head Designator:
A or B.2
Value Ranges:
0 to 1
Read: use <
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Off
1= On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (= Off)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_REV5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > L A 1 Cr
This sets Message Reverse for Head A of station

151 to on.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < L A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads Message Reverse for head A of station 151.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= reverse on)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Value not required for the read command. Carriage return always required.
4.
Message Reverse applies to ALL messages (cannot be set on a message by message basis).
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-50
Set / Read Message Flip: Esc M
This command allows Message Flip to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/M/Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
M=
ACSII (77)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value Ranges:
0 to 1
Read: use <
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Off
1= On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (=Off)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_FLIP5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > M A 1 Cr
This sets Message Flip for head A of station

151 to the on position.
DDC3 Response: ACK (06) completed

Read:
Esc 15 < M A Cr2
Reads the state of message Flip for head A

of station 15.
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= On)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Cannot be set on a message by message basis.
4.
Value is not required for read, but Cr is required.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-51
Set / Read Repeat Gap: Esc N
This command allows the Repeat Gap to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/N/Head/Value3/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
N=
ASCII (78)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0005 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
REPT_GAP5
(4 ASCII digits) in strokes.
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > N A 0100 Cr
This sets the Repeat Gap of head A at station

151 to 100 strokes
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < N A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads the repeat gap value of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
This parameter cannot be set on a message-by-message basis.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-52
Set / Read Repeat Count: Esc O
This command allows Repeat Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/O/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
O (upper case letter O)=
ASCII (79)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
REPT_CNT5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > O A 25 Cr
This sets the Repeat count of head A station

151 to 25.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < O A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads Laser Pulse Width head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-53
Set / Read Auto Count: Esc P

This command allows Auto Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/P/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
P=
ASCII (80)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
000 to 999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
AUTO_CNT5
(3 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > P A 025 Cr
This sets the Auto count of head A station

151 to 25.
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < P A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Auto Count of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-54
Set / Read Twin Line Menu Head Select: Esc Q
This command allows Head Selection for the Twin Line Menu to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/Q/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Q=
ASCII (81)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 2
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Head A
2= Both
1= Head B
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWN_HEAD4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > Q 1 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < Q2
This sets Twin Line to Head B of station 151.

ACK (06) completed
Reads twin line head selection for station 151
DDC3 Response: 1 Cr (= Head B only)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and carriage return is not required for system response.
3.
Has no effect on other remote control commands.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-55
Set / Read Twin Line Mode: Esc R
This command allows Twin Line Mode to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/R/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
R=
ASCII (82)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 3
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Off
1= Left
2= Center
3= Right
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWN_MODE4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > R A 01 Cr
This sets Twin Line Mode on for head A station

151.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < R A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads Twin Line Mode state for head A station
151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr (=On)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-56
Set / Read Twin Line Justification Delay: Esc S
This command allows Twin Line Justification Delay to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/S/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
S=
ASCII (83)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0001 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
100
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWM_JUST4
(4 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > S A 0300 Cr
This sets Twin line justification delay of head A

station 151 to 300.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < S A Cr
ACK (06) completed

Reads twin line justification of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:300 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-57
Set / Read Twin Line Minimum Delay: Esc T

This command allows the Twin Line Minimum Delay to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/T/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
T=
ASCII (84)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0001 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
20
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWN_DLY4
(4 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > T A 0100 Cr
This sets the Twin line minimum Delay of head A

station 151 to 100.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < T A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the twin line Minimum Delay of head A
station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-58
Set / Read Twin Line Top Line Control: Esc U
This command allows Twin Line Top Line Control to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/U/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
U=
ASCII (85)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 3
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Outer
2= Inner
1= Outer + Mirror
3= Inner + Mirror
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (=Outer)
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWN_TOP4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > U A 2 Cr
This sets the Twin line Top Line Control

of head A station 151 to position Inner.
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Read:
Esc 15 < U A Cr3
Reads the twin line Top Line Control of head A

station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr (=Inner)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-59
Set / Read Twin Line Mark First Parameter: Esc V
This command allows the Twin Line Mark First Parameter to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/V/Head/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
V=
ASCII (86)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 1
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Top Line
1= Bottom Line
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0= Top Line
ASCDBASE Tag =
TWN_FRST4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > V A 1 Cr
This sets The Twin Line mark first parameter of

head A at station 151 to Bottom Line.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < T A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Twin line mark first parameter of head
A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr
(= Bottom Line)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-60
Set / Read Insert Menu Insert Select: Esc W
This command allows the selected insert in the Inserts Menu to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/W/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
W=
ASCII (87)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 1
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Insert A selected
1= Insert B selected
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 = Insert A
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_SLCT4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > W A 1 Cr
This sets Insert Menu of station 151 to

1 (= Insert B)
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < W A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Insert select of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr (=Insert B)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
This command has no effect on other remote control commands.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-61
Set / Read Insert Mode: Esc X

This command allows the Insert Mode to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/X/Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
X=
ASCII (88)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 2
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Trigger
1= Timer
2= Auto
3 = Level
4= LPT mode
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0= Trigger
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_MODE4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > X A 1 Cr
This sets the mode of insert A on station 151

to Timer Mode.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < X A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Mode of insert A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr (= Timer Mode.)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Insert Designator is required in all cases.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-62
Set / Read Insert Timer: Esc Y
This command allows the Insert timer to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/Y/Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Y=
ASCII (89)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0001 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_TIME4
(4 ASCII digits) in 1/18s of second
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > Y A 0100 Cr
This sets the Timer of Insert A on station 151

to 100.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < Y A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Insert Timer of Insert A on station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Insert Designator is required in all cases.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-63
Set / Read Character Insert Length: Esc Z
This command allows the Character Insert Length to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/Z/Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Z=
ASCII (90)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 character
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_LEN4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > Z A 20 Cr
This sets the Character Length of insert A on

station 151 to 20 characters.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < Z A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Character Insert Length of insert A
station 151.
(in characters)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-64
Set / Read Insert Trigger Level: Esc [
This command allows the Insert trigger Level to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/ [ /Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
[ =
ASCII (91)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0 to 3
(1 ASCII digit)
0= +A 2= +B
1= -A
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0=(+A)
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_TRIG4
3= - B
Examples:
Write:
Esc15>[A2Cr
This sets the Trigger Level of Insert A on station 151

to +B.
DDC-3 Response
Read:
Esc 15 < [ A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Trigger Level of Insert A on station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Insert Designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-65
Set / Read Initial Insert Number Parameter: Esc \
This command allows the Initial Insert Number Parameter to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/\/Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
\=
ASCII (92)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
1 to 8
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_STRT4
(1 ASCII digit)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > \ A 4 Cr
This sets Initial Insert Number Parameter of Insert

A station 151 to 4.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < \ A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Initial Insert number Parameter of Head
A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:4 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-66
Set / Read Insert Auto Count: Esc ]
This command allows the Insert Auto Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/]/Insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
]=
ASCII (93)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
1 to 8
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_ACNT4
(1 ASCII digit)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ] A 3 Cr
This sets the Auto Count of Insert A on

station 151 to 20.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < ] A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Auto Count of Insert A on
station 151.
DDC-3 Response:3 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Insert Designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-67
Set / Read Insert Auto Repeat: Esc ^
This command allows the Insert Auto Repeat to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/^/insert/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
^=
ASCII (94)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
0001 to 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_AREP4
(4 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ^ A 0999 Cr
This sets the Auto Repeat of insert A

station 151 to 999.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < ^ A Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Auto Repeat of insert A on
station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-68
Set / Read Insert Strings: Esc _
This command allows the Insert Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/_ /Insert/String#/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
_ =
ASCII (95)
Insert Designator:
A or B2
Insert:
1 through 8
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
Alphanumerics, up to Insert length specified

(see Esc Z)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag
INS_DATA5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > _ A 1 25B Cr
This sets String 1 of Insert A on

station 151 to 25B.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < _ A 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads Insert 1 of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:25B Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
If string is greater than Insert length, system response is NACK (21)
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-69
Set / Read Counter Select: Esc `
This command allows the Counter Selected in the counter menu to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/`/Counter2/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Counter
Read: use <
`=
ASCII (96)
Value Ranges:
Counter =
1 to 5
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_SLCT4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ` 2 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < ` 3
This selects counter 2 on station 151.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the counter selected on station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Counter Designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3.
Carriage return not necessary for read command
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-70
Set / Read Counter Encoding Strings: Esc a
This command allows the Counter Format Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/a/Counter/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
a=
ASCII (97)
Counter:
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
1-12 characters (where characters are all A or a or N or n)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
Null String
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_FMT3
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > a 2 AAAAA Cr
This sets the Format of Counter 2 on

station 151 to AAAAA.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < a 2 Cr2

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Format of Counter 2 on station 151.
AAAAA Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-71
Set / Read Counter Start Values: Esc b
This command allows the Counter Start Values to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/b/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
Counter:
b=
ASCII (98)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
ASCII string, characters and digits = to the amount specified by

Format Length.)
Must match format for that counter (see Esc a).
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_BEG4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > b 1 0001 Cr
This sets the counter starting value of counter 1

at station 151 to 0001.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < b 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the counter starting value of counter 1
at station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Counter # required in all cases.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-72
Set / Read Counter Ending Values: Esc c
This command allows the Counter Ending Values to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/c/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
c=
ASCII (99)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:

Format Length.)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_END4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > c 1000 Cr
This sets the counter ending value of counter 1

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < c 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the counter ending value of counter 1
at station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-73
Set / Read Counter Current Value: Esc d
This command allows the counter current value to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/d/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
d=
ASCII (100)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:

Format Length.)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_VAL4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > d 1 03 Cr
This sets the current counter value of counter 1 at

station 151 to 03.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < d 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads current counter value of counter 1 at
station 151.
DDC-3 Response:03<Cr>
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-74
Set / Read Counter Step Size Value : Esc e
This command allows the Counter Step Value to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/e/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
e=
ASCII (101)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_STEP4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > e 1 0010 Cr
This sets the step value of counter 1 at

station 151 to 10.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < e 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the step value of counter 1 at station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-75
Set / Read Counter Ending Action : Esc f

This command allows the Counter Ending Action to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/f/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
f=
ASCII (102)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:
0= None
1= Energize Relay K-2
2= Disable Marking
3= Energize Relay K-2 and Disable Marking
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software fault =
0=None
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_EACT4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > f 1 2 Cr
This sets the ending action of counter 1 at

station 151 to Disable Marking.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < f 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads ending action value of counter 1 at
station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr (= Disable Marking)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-76
Set / Read Counter External Reset : Esc g

This command allows the Counter External Reset to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/g/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
g=
ASCII (103)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:
0= Disable
1= External +A
2= External -A
3= External +B
4= External -B
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0= Disable
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_RST4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > g 1 1 Cr
This sets counter 1 at station 151 to external

+A reset.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < g 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads reset value of counter 1 at station 151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr (=External +A)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-77
Set / Read: Counter Repeat Count: Esc h

This command allows the Counter Repeat Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/h/Counter2/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
h=
ASCII (104)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Counter:
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
CNT_REPT4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > h 1 0100 Cr
This sets the counter repeat count counter 1

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < h 1 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

Reads the counter repeat value of counter 1
at station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-78
Set / Read Counter Control Source: Esc i

This command is not used.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-79
Set / Read Default Message Font: Esc j

This command allows the Default Message Font to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/j/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
j=
ASCII (106)
Head Designator =
A or B
Value (Font)=
0 = 5x5
1 = 5x7
2 = 9x7
3 = 3 of 9
4 = 6x7
5 = FAra2
Read: use <
6 = FHR6
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
DEF_FONT5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > jA4 Cr
This sets the default message font of station 15

to 4 (6x7).
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < j A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the default font for head A station 15.
DDC-3 Response:4Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Western characters and Arabic numerals.
3.
Head Designator and Cr are required in all cases.
4.
Value is not required for Read Command.
5.
6.
Requires the use of High Resolution Lens. High Resolution Lens not available with Standard 7 Lens
attachment.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-80
Set/Read System Counter Display: Esc k

This command allows the system counter display parameter to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/k/Value4/Cr4
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
k=
ASCII (107)
Value =
Read: use <
Display turned OFF

1 - 10
Display turned on with # of digits selected
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
OFF
ASCDBASE Tag =
SYS_C_EN5
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > k 6Cr
This sets the system counter screen display at

station 15 to be 6 digits long.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
ACK (06) completed

Esc 15 < k4
This reads the system counter screen display at

station 15.
DDC-3 Response:6
Cr3
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
In the OFF condition the system counter will not be displayed on the front screen.
However the counter will continue to increment.
3.
The number of digits displayed in the response will correspond to the number of digits
displayed on the front screen.
4.
Value and Carriage Return not required on "Read".
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-81
Set / Read Shift table Times: Esc l
This command allows the Shift Table Start Times to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/l/Shift/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
l (lower case letter L)=
ASCII (108)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Shift:
Value:
HHmm
HH= Hours as 2 ASCII digits (00-23).
mm= Minutes as 2 ASCII digits (00-59).
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
<Shift time not defined>
ASCDBASE Tag =
SHF_TABL4
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > l 2 0745 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < l 2 Cr3
This sets Shift 2 at station 151 to start at 0745.

ACK (06) completed
Reads the start time for shift 2 at station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Invalid times generate a NACK (21)
3.
Value is not required for read commands, but Cr is required.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-82
Set / Read Shift Code Strings: Esc m
This command allows the Shift Code Strings to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/m/Shift/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
m=
ASCII (109)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Shift:
Value:
Single ASCII Character
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
Shift 1= A
Shift 4= D
Shift 2= B
Shift 5= E
Shift 3= C
ASCDBASE Tag =
SHF_CODE3
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > m 2 B Cr
This sets shift 2 string at station 151 to B.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < m 3 Cr2
ACK (06) completed

Reads shift code for shift 2 string at station 151.
DDC3 Response: B Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-83
Set / Read Mark Inhibit Function: Esc n
This command allows Mark Inhibit to be set to the ON or OFF condition by the Host Computer. The setting will
apply to both heads.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/n/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
n=
ASCII (110)
Value Ranges:
0-1
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
OFF (Mark not inhibited)
ASCDBASE Tag =
MRK_INH3
Read: use <
(Single ASCII Digit)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > n 0 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < n
DDC-3 Response:
This sets the mark inhibit to the OFF condition.

ACK (06) completed
NACK (21) invalid command.
This reads the mark inhibit Condition.
0 Cr
or
1 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Carriage return and value is not required for Read command.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-84
Set / Read Insert / Overtype: Esc o

This command allows the Insert / Overtype mode to be set by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/o/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
o=
ASCII (111)
Value Ranges:
0-1
Read: use <
(Single ASCII digit)
0 = Overtype
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
(0)= Overtype
ASCDBASE Tag =
INS_OVR4
1 = Insert
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > o1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < o2
This sets the mode to Insert mode.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the current default Insert/Overtype
status.
DDC-3 Response:
0 Cr
or
1 Cr
0 = Overtype
1 = Insert
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
This setting applies to all Data Entry Dialog boxes and the Message Editing Screen.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-85
Set / Read Hour Encoding String: Esc p
This command allows the Hour Encoding String to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/p/Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
p=
ASCII (112)
Value Ranges:
0 - 24 ASCII Characters 4
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
A thru Z less I and O
ASCDBASE Tag =
HOUR_ENC5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > p1234567890abcdefghijklmn Cr

This sets the hour encoding string of station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < p2
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06)
completed
This reads the hour encoding string of station 15.
1234567890abcdefghijklmn Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
The first letter of the string corresponds to 00:00:00 - 00:59:59.
4.
Strings containing less than 24 characters will be right-padded with spaces. The space
characters will then be "printed" by the DDC-3 during the corresponding hours.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-86
Set / Read Day Encoding String: Esc q
This command allows the Day Encoding String to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/q/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
q=
ASCII (113)
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
ABCDEFG
ASCDBASE Tag =
DAY_ENC5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > qABC1234 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < q3
DDC-3 Response:
This set the hour encoding string of station 15.

ACK (06) completed
This reads day encoding string value of station 15.
ABC1234 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
The day of the week which corresponds to the first letter of the string can be set
with the ESC-4 command ( week begin day).
3.
4.
characters will then be "printed" by the DDC-3 during the corresponding days.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-87
Set / Read Alpha Month String: Esc r
This command allows the Alpha Month Encoding String to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/r/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
r=
ASCII (114)
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
ABCDEFGHJKLM
ASCDBASE Tag =
MON_ENC5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > rABCDEF123456 Cr

Sets alpha month code of Station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < r3
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06)
completed
Reads alpha month code of station 15.
ABCDEF123456 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
with the ESC-5 command (year begin month).
3.
4.
characters will then be "printed" by the DDC-3 during the corresponding months.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-88
Reset / Read System Counter : Esc s
This command allows the System Counter to be reset or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/s/Head/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
s=
ASCII (115)
Head designator =
A or B
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
SYS_CNT3
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > s A Cr
This resets the system counter for head A of

station 15, to a count of zero.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < s A Cr
ACK (06) completed

This reads returns the displayed counter value for
head A station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
9999999999 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
The number of digits output is unaffected by the setting of the System Counter
Display parameter (see Esc k).
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-89
Set / Read Clock References: Esc t

This command allows the Clock References days to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/t/Value1/Value2/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
t=
ASCII (116)
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value 1 (clock #) = 1-15
Value 2 (day of the week) = 0 - 7
0 = Today (disabled)
4 = Wednesday
1 = Sunday
5 = Thursday
2 = Monday
6 = Friday
3 = Tuesday
7 = Saturday
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
0 ( today) = feature disabled
ASCDBASE Tag =
CLK_REF2
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > t23 Cr
This sets reference day of clock 2 of station 15 to

Tuesday.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < t2 Cr
ACK (06) completed

This returns current reference day setting of
clock 3 on station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
3 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-90
Set / Read Alpha Month 2 String: Esc u

This command allows the Alpha Month2 Encoding String to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/u/Value3/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
u=
ASCII (117)
Value:
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
ABCDEFGHJKLM
ASCDBASE Tag =
MON2_ENC5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > rABCDEF123456 Cr

Sets alpha month code of Station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < r3
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06)
completed
Reads alpha month code of station 15.
ABCDEF123456 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
with the ESC-5 command (year begin month).
3.
4.
characters will then be "printed" by the DDC-3 during the corresponding months.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-91
Esc v
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-92
Set / Read the Counter Step Control : Esc w

This command allows the Counter Step Control to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/w/Value 1/Value 2/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID =
Write: use >
w=
ASCII (119)
Value 1 =
1-5
(counter number)
Value 2 =
0-9
(step control)
Read: use <
0 = Link Only
1 = Product Detect
2 = Sync A+
3 = Sync -A
4 = Sync +B
5 = Sync B
6 = Async +A
7 = Async A
8 = Async +B
9 = Async B
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Default =
0 (step on product detect)
ASCDBASE Tag =
C_STPCTL3
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 >w13 Cr
This sets the counter step control of station 15

to External +B
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < w1Cr

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads counter 1 of station 15.
3 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Counters will increment at either (a) every Product Detect or (b) every Product Detect
when the External input is held high (+A,+B) or low (-A,-B).
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-93
ESC x
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-94
ESC y
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-95
Esc z
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-96
Wait for Mark Cycle: Esc {
This command waits for an Active to Inactive or an Inactive to Active Transition in the Print Cycle to occur than sends
a reply to the Host computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/ { /Head/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
{ =
ASCII (123)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15>{A Cr
Waits for Active to Inactive transition.

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed
Case 1
Case 1:
Active
If the command is sent during the Inactive State the return reply will be
sent at the next Active to Inactive Transition.
Inactive
(Print Cycle)
Inactive
Reply: ACK (06)=completed.

Send
Reply
Case 2:
Case 2
If the command is sent during the Active state the return reply will be
sent at the next Active to Inactive Transition.
Active
Reply: ACK (06)=completed.
Inactive
(Print Cycle)
Send
05-30-00 Issue 2
Inactive
Reply
Page 4-97
Read:
Esc 15 <{A Cr
Waits for Inactive to Active transition.
Case 1
Case 1:
Active
If the command is sent during the Inactive state the return reply will be
sent at the next Inactive to Active Transition.
Reply: ACK (06)= completed.
Inactive
(Print Cycle)
Inactive
Send Reply
Case:2
Case 2
If the command is sent during the Active state the return reply will be
sent at the next Inactive to Active Transition.
Active
Reply: ACK (06)= completed.
Inactive
(Print Cycle)
Send
Inactive
Reply
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3. The Transition from Inactive to Active occurs at the Product detect after which the print
cycle begins. The
transition from Active to Inactive occurs when the last Stroke of the
message is laid down (including any trailing
spaces).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-98
Enable or Disable Marking: Esc |

This command allows Marking to be Enabled or Disabled by the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/|/Head/Message # 3,4/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
|=
ASCII (124)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Message #:4
00-99
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
(2ASCII digits) (Message #)
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15>|A075Cr
This Enables Marking with Message Number 07

on Head A at station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

or Text String in currently selected language with reason why
Marking could not be enabled, e.g. "System Not Ready" 6
Read:
Esc 15 < | A Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This Disables marking on Head A at station 151.

Cr or "Marking already disabled" in current language 6
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4. This selects the message to be printed, But does not update the WYSIWYG display.
5. To update the WYSIWYG display see the (Esc E) command.
6. Messages are output in current language. See Page 5 for limitations on output in non-English languages.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-99
Wait for Active/ Inactive Marking Status: Esc }

This command returns a reply indicating Active or Inactive marking status to the Host Computer.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/}/Head/Cr
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
}=
ASCII (125)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 >}A Cr
Waits for Active Mark status on head A

at station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06)
C a se 1
A c tiv e
Case 1:
In a c tiv e
(P r in t C y c le )
In a c tiv e
If the command is sent during the Inactive state than the return reply will
be sent at the first Inactive to Active Transition.
S end
Reply: ACK (06)
Im m e d ia te
R e p ly
C a se 2
Case 2:
A c tiv e
If the command is sent during the Active state than the return reply will
be Immediate.
In a c tiv e
(P r in t C y c le )
In a c tiv e
Reply: ACK (06)

S end
05-30-00 Issue 2
R e p ly
Page 4-100
Read:
Esc 15 <}ACr
Waits for Inactive Mark status on Head A of station 15.

DDC-3 Response: ACK (06)
Case 1
Case 1:
Active
If the command is sent during the Inactive state than the reply is
immediate.
Inactive
Send
(Print Cycle)
Inactive
Immediate
Reply
Case 2:
If the command is sent during the Active state than the reply will be at the
next Active to Inactive Transition.
Case 2
Active
Inactive
(Print Cycle)
Send
Inactive
Reply
Usage Notes:
1.
2. Head Designator is required in all cases. For single head units, use A.
3. The Transition from Inactive to Active occurs at the Product detect after which the print
cycle begins. The
transition from Active to Inactive occurs when the last Stroke of the
message is laid down (including any trailing
spaces).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-101
Cold Start / Get Mark Enable / Disable Status : Esc ~
This command allows the Host Computer to run the Coldstart sequence or get the mark Enable / Disable status.
Command:
Esc/StationID1/Direction/~/Head/Cr3
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (27)
Station ID=
Write: use >
~=
ASCII (126)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Response Value3:
0 or 1
Read: use <
(1 ASCII digit)
0= Disabled
1= Enabled
Examples:
Write:
Esc 15 > ~ A Cr4
This runs the cold start sequence for Head A

at station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
Esc 15 < ~ A Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) Cr completed

Gets Mark Enable/ Disable status.
0 Cr (=Disabled)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Head Designator is required in all cases.
3.
Response value applies to Read command only.
4. If Cold start command is sent while system is Enabled the DDC-3 Response will be
NACK (21).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-102
Esc DEL (127)
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-103
Set / Read Language Selection: FS Sp

This command allows the language selection to be set and read by the Host computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/SP/Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
SP =
ASCII (32)
Value (Language)
0 through 4 where:
Read: use <
0 = English
1 = French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch6
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LANG_SEL5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15> SP 2 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Sets the language (See Note 6) for station 151.

ACK (06) completed
Read:
FS3 15 < SP2
Reads the language for station 151
DDC3 Response:
1 Cr (See note 6)
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3s Station
ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
Value and carriage return is not required for system response on read command.
3.
FS indicates the single ASCII equivalent character 28. This can be achieved on most keyboards by holding
down the CTRL key and pressing \.
4.
Important Note: Do not attempt to program the language to values other than those shown above. The
software unfortunately allows non-existent languages to be selected, requiring a complete reset of the BatteryBacked RAM to achieve "normal" operation again.
5.
6.
Storage limitations on the LCB allow for only English and one additional language. See the Start up screen (Alt
F-1 from main menu) for available languages in the software version you are working with.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-104
Set / Read Mark Overlap Mode: FS !

This command allows the Mark Overlap Mode to be Read or set by the Host computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/!/Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
!=
ASCII (33)
Value
0 or 1
Read: use <
0= Off (Soft Fault)

1= On (Hard Fault)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
OVL_MODE4
Examples:
Read:
FS3 15 > ! 0 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Write:
FS3 15 < !2
Sets the Mark Overlap hard fault

of station 151 to OFF
ACK (06) completed
Reads the Mark Overlap hard fault value
of station 151
DDC3 Response:
0 Cr
Usage Notes:
The following may go in an appendix.

2.
3.
FS indicates the single ASCII equivalent character 28. This can be achieved on most keyboards by holding down
the CTRL key and pressing \.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-105
Set / Read Leap Day Number: FS

This command allows the Leap Day Number to be set and read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction//Value2/Cr2
Where:
Esc =
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
write: use >
"=
ASCII (34)
Value
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=366
1=60
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LEAP_DAY5
Examples:
Write:
Sets the Leap Day Number
FS3 15 > 0 Cr
of station 15 1 to 366
DDC3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 2
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Leap Day Number of
Station 151
DDC3 Response:
0 Cr
(= Day 366)
Usage Notes:
2.
3.
4.
Leap day number is the Julian Day number output by the DDC-3 on Feb.29 in a Leap Year. Setting to 60 will
cause MAR 1 and all subsequent days to have different Julian
Day numbers between Leap Years and non
Leap Years.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-106
Set/Read Function Key Markers: FS #

This command allows the DDC-3 Function Key Markers to be set and read by the Host computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/#/Value/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
#=
ASCII (35)
Value
0 through 4 where:
Read: use <
0 = none
1 = left
2 = right
3 = both
4 = numbers
Cr
ASCII ( 13)
Software Default =
4= numbers
ASCDBASE Tag =
FUNC_MRK4
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > # 2 Cr
DDC3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < #2
DDC3 Response:
This will set the function key markers of station 151 to the
right
ACK (06) completed
This will read the function key markers on station151
2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC3s only. In single-drop mode, set the DDC3s Station
ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
3.
FS indicates the single ASCII equivalent character 28. This can be achieved on most keyboards by holding
down the CTRL key and pressing \.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-107
Set / Read Message Display Pixels: FS $
This command allows the Message Display Pixels to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/$/Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
$=
ASCII (36)
Value Ranges:
1 through 3 where:
Read: use <
1 = 1x2
2 = 2x2
3 = 3x2
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
MSG_FONT4
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > $ 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < $2
DDC-3 Response:
This sets the message display pixels of station 151to 1x2

ACK (06) completed
This Reads the message display pixels of station 151.
1 Cr (=1x2)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-108
Set / Read Passwords: FS %

This command allows the DDC3 Passwords to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/%/Password#/Value3/Cr3
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
%=
ASCII (37)
Password #
1 through 8 where:
Defaults
1 = Remote password
2 = Lockout password
3 = Clear Notice password
4 = Setup password
5 = Message Change password
6 = Mark Adjust password
7 = Spare (unused) password
8 = Spare (unused) password
DLI
DLI
DLI
DLI
<null>4
<null>4
DLI
DLI
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Up to 10 alphanumeric characters
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
PASSWORD5
Examples:
FS3 15 > % 2 BUD Cr
This sets the lockout password of

station 151 to BUD.
DDC-3 Response:
FS3 15 < % 2 Cr3
ACK (06) completed

This Reads the lockout password of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
BUD Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Value not required on Read, but Cr is required.
4.
Passwords set to <null> are not requested by the DDC-3.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-109
Set / Read Password Wait Time: FS &
This command allows the Password Wait Time to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/&/Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
&=
ASCII (38)
Value Ranges:
018 through 500 (3 ASCII digits) (in 18ths of sec)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
90
ASCDBASE Tag =
PWD_WAIT5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > & 180 Cr
Sets password wait time of station151 to 10 seconds
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < &2
ACK (06) completed

This Reads the password wait time of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
180 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Password wait time is the maximum time allowed between keypress when entering a password.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-110
Set / Read Error Message Delay: FS
This command allows the Error Message Delay to be set and read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction//Value/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
ASCII (39)
Value
001 through 255 (3 ASCII digits) 1n 1/18s seconds
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
40
ASCDBASE Tag =
ERR_DLY4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 90 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 2
Sets error message delay of station151 to 5 secs.

ACK (06) completed
This Reads the error message delay of station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
90 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
Station ID is for use with multi-drop networked DDC-3s only. In single-drop mode, set
the DDC-3s Station ID to zero, and do not include the 00 in the command.
2.
Value and carriage return is not required for system response on read command
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-111
Set / Read I/O Test Menu Controller Select: FS (
This command allows the I/O test menu controller select to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/ ( /Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
(=
ASCII (40)
Value Ranges:
0 or 1 (Head A or Head B)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0= Head A
ASCDBASE Tag =
IOT_CTLR5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > ( 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < ( 2
Selects I/O test menu Controller B of station151.

ACK (06) completed
This Reads I/O test menu Controller of station
151.
DDC-3 Response:
1 Cr (= Head B)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
This command has no effect on other remote control commands.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-112
Set / Read Coldstart Menu Head Select: FS )

This command allows the Coldstart menu head select to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/ ) /Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
)=
ASCII (41)
Value Ranges:
0 or 1 or 2
0=A
Read: use <
2=Both
1=B
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
2 (Both)
ASCDBASE Tag =
CLD_HEAD5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > ) 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < )2
Selects Coldstart applicable to head B of

station151.
ACK (06) completed
This Reads applicable coldstart menu head of
station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
1 Cr (= Head B only)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
This has no effect on other Remote control commands. To set coldstart Parameters
on both heads, one command is required per head.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-113
Set / Read Coldstart Pulse Count: FS *

This command allows the Coldstart Pulse Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/*/Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
*=
ASCII (42)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Read: use <
Value Ranges:
Value:
001 to 999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
50
ASCDBASE Tag =
COLD_CNT5
(3 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > * A 100 Cr
This sets the Coldstart Pulse count of head A

at station 151 to 100
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < * A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Coldstart Pulse count of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-114
Set / Read Coldstart Pulse Count: FS +
This command allows the Coldstart Pulse Width to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/+/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
+=
ASCII (43)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
10 to 99 (2 ASCII digits) in microseconds.
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
50
ASCDBASE Tag =
COLD_WID5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > + A 75Cr
This sets the Coldstart Pulse Width of head A

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < + A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Coldstart Pulse Width of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-115
Set / Read Coldstart Pulse Period: FS ,

This command allows the Coldstart Pulse Period to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/,/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
,=
ASCII (44)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0010 to 9999
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
100
ASCDBASE Tag =
COLD_PER5
Read: use <
(4 ASCII digits)
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > , A 0200 Cr
This sets the Coldstart Pulse Period of head A

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < , A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Coldstart Pulse Period of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-116
Set / Read Fault Strobe Position: FS -
This command allows the Fault Strobe Position to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/-/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
-=
ASCII (45)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
01 to 99 (2 ASCII digits) in microseconds
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
30
ASCDBASE Tag =
FLT_POS5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > - A 50 Cr
This sets the Fault Strobe position of head A

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < - A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Fault Strobe Position of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
FS indicates the single ASCII equivalent character 28. This can be achieved on most keyboards by holding down the
CTRL key and pressing \.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-117
Set / Read Idle Pulse Width: FS .
This command allows the Idle Pulse Width to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/./Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
.=
ASCII (46)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
01 to 99 (2 ASCII digits) in microseconds.
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
IDLE_PW5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > . B 02 Cr
This sets the Idle Pulse Width of head B

at station 15 to 2 microseconds.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < . B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Idle Pulse Width of head B station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-118
Set / Read Idle Mode Enable: FS /

This command allows Idle Mode Enable to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction///Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
/=
ASCII (47)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0= Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (=Off)
ASCDBASE Tag =
IDLE_EN5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > / A 1 Cr
This sets the Idle Mode of head A

at station 151 to On
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < / A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Idle Mode state of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:1 Cr (= Enabled)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-119
Set / Read Laser Menu Head Select: FS 0
This command allows the Laser Menu Head Select to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/0/Value2/Cr2
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
0=
ASCII (48)
Value:
0 or 1 or 2
0=A
Read: use <
2=Both
1=B
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
2 (Both)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LAS_HEAD5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 0 0 Cr
Sets Laser Menu Head Select of station 151 to

Head A only.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 02
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

Reads Laser Menu Head Select of station 151.
0 Cr (= Head A only)
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
Value and carriage return is not required for system response on read commands.
3.
4.
This has no effect on other Remote control commands.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-120
Set / Read Laser 1 Enable: FS 1

This command allows Laser 1 Enable to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/1/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
1=
ASCII (49)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER15
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 1 B 0 Cr
This sets Laser 1 Enable of head B

at station 151 to Off
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 1 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads Laser 1 Enable of head B station 151.
DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-121

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
2=
ASCII (50)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER25
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 2 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 2 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-122

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
3=
ASCII (51)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER35
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 3 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 3 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-123

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
4=
ASCII (52)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER45
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 4 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 4 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-124

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
5=
ASCII (53)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER55
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 5 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 5 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-125

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
6=
ASCII (54)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER66
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 6 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 6 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Systems configured for 5 Lasers will generate a NACK (21)
6.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-126

Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
7=
ASCII (55)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0=Off
1=On
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (=On)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASER76
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 7 B 0 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 7 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

DDC-3 Response:0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Systems configured for 5 Lasers will generate a NACK (21)
6.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-127
Set / Read Laser Count: FS 8

This command allows the Laser Count to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
8=
ASCII (56)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0= 5 Lasers
1= 7 Lasers
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (7 lasers)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASR_CNT6
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 8 B 0 Cr
This sets Laser Count of head B

at station 151 to 5 lasers
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 8 B Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads Laser Count of head B station 151.
DDC-3 Response:0 Cr (= 5 Lasers)

Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Laser systems will revert automatically to using Font # 0 (5x5 Font).
6.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-128
Set / Read Test Pulse Width: FS 9

This command allows the Test Pulse Width to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
9=
ASCII (57)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
010 through 999 (3 ASCII digits) in microseconds
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
110 microseconds
ASCDBASE Tag =
TEST_WID5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > 9 A 030 Cr
This sets the Test Pulse Width of head A

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < 9 A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Test Pulse Width of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-129
Set / Read Test Pulse Period: FS :

This command allows the Test Pulse Period to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/:/Head/Value4/Cr4
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
:=
ASCII (58)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0100 through 9999 (4 ASCII digits) microseconds
Cr=
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1000 microseconds
ASCDBASE Tag =
TEST_PER5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > : A 1500 Cr
This sets the Test Pulse Period of head A

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < : A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Test Pulse Period of head A station 151.
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-130
Set / Read Test Pulse Trigger: FS ;

This command allows the Test Pulse Trigger to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/;/Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
;=
ASCII (59)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 through 2
Read: use <
0=Keyboard
2= User In B
1= User In A
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (keyboard)
ASCDBASE Tag =
TEST_TRG5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > ; A 2 Cr
This sets the Test Pulse Trigger of head A

at station 151 to User In B
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < ; A Cr4
ACK (06) completed

Reads the Test Pulse Width of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-131
Set / Read All Laser Enable: FS <

This command allows all Lasers to be enabled/ Disabled by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/</Head/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
<=
ASCII (60)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 or 1
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LASR_ALL5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > < A 0000000 Cr

DDC-3 Response:
Read:
This disables all seven lasers of head A at station 151.

ACK (06) completed
FS3 15 < < A Cr4
This Reads the Laser On / Off condition of head A station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
0000000 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Set / Read Rs 485 Transmit Control: FS =

This command allows the RS 485 Transmit Control to be set or read by the Host Computer.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-132
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/=/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
==
ASCII (61)
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0= Send Data
1= RTS Control
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
RS485CTL4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > = 1 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < =
DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Transmit Control at station 151 to RTS Control.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the Laser Test Pulse Width of station 151.
1 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
Value and Cr is not required for read commands.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-133
Set / Read: Laser Channel Swap FS >

This command allows the user to swap laser channels by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/>/Head/Value 14/ Value 24/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
>=
ASCII (62)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value 1:
1 through 7
Value 2:
1 through 7
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
LSR_SWAP5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 >> A 3 6 Cr
This Maps Laser 3 to the Laser 6 position on head A

at station 151.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 <> A 3 Cr4

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the current setting of head A Laser 3 mapping at
station 151.
6 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The commands that perform the channel swap setting (the output type commands with "ESC+1 > >") are setup so
that if either of the two requested channel numbers in the command are already swapped with some other pairs
then the existing swaps are undone before applying the new swaps. No notice will be given that previously swapped
channels have been reassigned. Host software would be well advised to read out all of the swaps, verify the existing
swap pairs, and then proceed with the desired output commands to setup the new swap. This way the current swap
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-134
command will not produce an unexpected result. The swapping of two channels in the software redirects the
Modulation signal to the RF Driver Board it does not redirect the RF output signal from the RF Driver Board to
the Laser. To redirect the RF output signal to match the input modulation signal the same swap must be made in
hardware, either at the RF board BNC connectors or at the lasers.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-135
Set / Read Air / Vac Time Delay : FS ?

This command allows the Air / Vac Time Delay to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/?/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
?=
ASCII (63)
Value: (minutes)
0 through 30
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
airvac_time4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > ? 10 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < ? Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Air -Vac\ time delay at station 151 to 10 minutes.
ACK (06) completed
This reads the Air-Vac\ time delay of station 151.
10 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-136
Set / Read Air / Vac Fault Type : FS @

This command allows the Air / Vac Fault type to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/@/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
@=
ASCII (64)
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
0 = Hard
1 = Soft
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
airvac_type
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > @ A 0 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < A Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Air \Vac Fault Type at station 151 to a soft fault.
ACK (06) completed
This reads the Air \Vac Fault Type of station 151.
0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-137
Set / Read RF Fault: FS A

This command allows the RF Fault to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/A/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
A=
ASCII (65)
Value:
0 or 1
Read: use <
1 = Hard
0 = Soft
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
1 (Hard)
ASCDBASE Tag =
rf_type5
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > A 0 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < A Cr4

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the RF fault type of head A at station 151 to Soft.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the RF Fault type of head A at station 151.
0 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-138
Duty Cycle Limit

Contact Domino Lasers Technical Support for information regarding this command.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-139
Set / Read: Alert Types FS C

This command allows Alert Types to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/C/Value/Value/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
C=
ASCII (67)
Value: 1
1 through 19
Value: 2
Read: use <
0 through 4
Type 0 = OFF
Type 1 = 1 Minutes
Type 2 = 2 Minutes
Type 3 = 5 Minutes
Type 4 = Continuous
Alerts:
Alert Type
Assigned Number
(Value 1)
01
Default Value / Setting

(Value 2)
3 = 5 Minutes
Air / Vacuum Fault
02
4 = Continuous
Console Temperature
Warning
03
3 = 5 Minutes
Console Temperature
Fault
04
4 = Continuous
DC Power Fault
05
4 = Continuous
Duty Cycle Fault
06
3 = 5 Minutes
Head Temperature
Fault
07
4 = Continuous
Interlock Fault
08
4 = Continuous
Laser Fault
09
3 = 5 Minutes
Modulator Fault
10
4 = Continuous
Overlap Warning
11
3 = 5 Minutes
Overlap Fault
12
4 = Continuous
RF Power Warning
13
3 = 5 Minutes
RF Power Fault
14
4 = Continuous
Air / Vacuum
Warning
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-140
Printer Fault
15
4 = Continuous
Vacuum Check
Reminder
16
4 = Continuous
Interlock Check
Reminder
17
4 = Continuous
Lens Check
Reminder
18
4 = Continuous
User Check
Reminder
19
4 = Continuous
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
alert_type4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 >C 12 2 Cr
This sets Alert Number 12 (Overlap Fault) to

2 (2 Minutes) at Station 15.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < C 12 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the alert type of station 151.
2 (2 minutes) Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-141
Set Twin Line Galvo Test Position : FS D

This command allows the Twin Line Galvo position to be set by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/D/Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
D=
ASCII (68)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 through 2
0=AOBO
Read: use <
2= A1
1= B1
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 (AOBO)
ASCDBASE Tag =
twin_test5
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > D A 2 Cr
This sets the Twin Line Galvo test Position of head A station
151 to A1.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < A Cr4

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Twin Line Galvo test position of head A at
station 151.
2 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-142
Set / Read the Laser Pulse Width Maximum: FS E

This command allows the Laser Pulse Width Maximum to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/E/Head/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS3=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
E=
ASCII (69)
Head Designator:
A or B2
Value:
0 - 9999
Cr =
ASCII (13)
ASCDBASE Tag =
lsr_max5
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS3 15 > E A 250 Cr
This sets the Max Laser Pulse Width of head A at station 151 to
250s.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS3 15 < E A Cr4

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Max Laser Pulse Width of head A station 151.
250s Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-143
Set / Read Daylight Savings Time: FS F

This command allows Daylight Savings time to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/F/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
F=
ASCII (70)
Value:
0 through 3
Read: use <
0= OFF
1= USA
2= EURO
3= USER
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 = Off
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_type4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > F 2 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < F Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets Daylight Savings of station 151 to EURO.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the Daylight savings of station 151.
2 ( Euro) Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-144
Set / Read Daylight Saving Start Hour: FS G

This command allows the Daylight Saving Start Hour to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/G/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
G=
ASCII (71)
Value:
0 through 23 (Hours)
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
2 AM
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_hour4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > G 15 Cr
This sets the Daylight Savings Start Hour

at station 151 to 15:00 hours.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < G Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Daylight Savings Start Hour for station 151.
15 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-145
Set / Read Daylight Saving End Hour: FS H

This command allows the Daylight Savings End Hour to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/H/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
H=
ASCII (72)
Value:
0 through 23
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
2 AM
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_en_hour4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > H 15 Cr
This sets the Daylight Saving End Time of head A at station 151
to 15:00 Hours.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 H< Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Daylight Savings End Time for station 151.
15 Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-146
Set / Read Daylight Savings Start Week: FS I

This command allows the Daylight Savings Start Week to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/I/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
I=
ASCII (73)
Value:
0 through 4
Read: use <
0=Week 1
1= Week 2
2= Week 3
3= Week 4
4= Last Week
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 = Week 1
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_week4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > I 2 Cr
This sets the Daylight Saving Start Week at station 151 to Week
3.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < Icr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Daylight Saving Start Week for station 151.
2 ( Week 3)Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-147
Set / Read Daylight Savings End Week: FS J

This command allows the Daylight Savings End Week to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/J/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
J=
ASCII (74)
Value:
0 through 4
Read: use <
0=Week 1
1= Week 2
2= Week 3
3= Week 4
4= Last Week
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
4 = Last Week
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_en_week4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > J 2 Cr
This sets the Daylight Savings End Week at station 151 to Week
3.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < J Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Daylight Savings End Week for station 151.
2 (Week 3)Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-148
Set / Read Day Light Savings Start Day: FS K

This command allows the Day Light Savings Start Day to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/K/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
K=
ASCII (75)
Value:
0 through 6
Read: use <
0= Sunday
1= Monday
2= Tuesday
3=Wednesday
4= Thursday
5= Friday
6 = Saturday
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 = Sunday
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_day4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > K 2 Cr
This sets the Day Light Savings Start Day at station 151 to
Tuesday.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < K Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Day Light Savings Start Day at station 151.
2 ( Tuesday) Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-149
Set / Read Daylight Savings End Day : FS L

This command allows the Daylight savings End Day to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/L/Value4/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
L=
ASCII (76)
Value:
0 through 6
Read: use <
0= Sunday
1= Monday
2= Tuesday
3=Wednesday
4= Thursday
5= Friday
6 = Saturday
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
0 = Sunday
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_en_day4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > L 2 Cr
This sets the Daylight Savings End Day at station 151 to

Tuesday.
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < L Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
ACK (06) completed

This reads the Daylight Savings End Day at station 151.
2 (Tuesday)Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-150
Set / Read Daylight Savings Start Month : FS M

This command allows the Daylight Savings Start Month to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/M/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
M=
ASCII (77)
Value:
1 through 12
Read: use <
1= January
2 = February
3 = March
4 = April
5 = May
6 = June
7 = July
8 = August
9 = September
10 = October
11 = November 12 = December
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
4 (April)
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_mon4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > M 6 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < M Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Daylight Savings Start Month at station 151 to June.
ACK (06) completed
This reads the Daylight Savings Start Month at station 151.
6 (June)Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-151
Set / Read Daylight Savings End Month: FS N

This command allows the Daylight Savings End Month to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS3/StationID1/Direction/N/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
N=
ASCII (78)
Value:
1 through 12
Read: use <
1= January
2 = February
3 = March
4 = April
5 = May
6 = June
7 = July
8 = August
9 = September
10 = October
11 = November 12 = December
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
4 (April)
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_mon4
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > N 5 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < N Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Daylight Savings End Month at station 151 to May.
ACK (06) completed
This reads the Daylight Savings Start Month at station 151.
5 (May)Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-152
Set / Read Daylight Savings Start Flag: FS O

This command allows the Daylight Savings Start Flag to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/O/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
O=
ASCII (79)
Value:
0 Or 1
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_st_flag4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > O 0 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < O Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Daylight Savings Start Flag at station 151 to 0.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the Daylight Savings Start Flag of station 151.
O Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
5.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-153
Set / Read Daylight Savings End Flag: FS P

This command allows the Daylight Savings End Flag to be set or read by the Host Computer.
Command:
FS2/StationID1/Direction/O/Value3/Cr
Where:
FS2=
ASCII (28)
Station ID=
Write: use >
P=
ASCII (80)
Value:
0 Or 1
Cr =
ASCII (13)
Software Default =
ASCDBASE Tag =
daysav_en_flag4
Read: use <
Examples:
Write:
FS2 15 > O 0 Cr
DDC-3 Response:
Read:
FS2 15 < O Cr3

DDC-3 Response:
This sets the Daylight Savings End Flag at station 151 to 0.

ACK (06) completed
This reads the Daylight Savings End Flag of station 151.
O Cr
Usage Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page 4-154
Appendix A - ASCII Chart

This chart gives the binary and hex values corresponding to the ASCII characters used by the
DDC3, from 000 to 127 (00H to 7FH).
b3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
b2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
05-30-00 Issue 2
b1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
b6
b5
b4
b0 Hex
0
0
1
1
0
2
1
3
0
4
1
5
0
6
1
7
0
8
1
9
0
a
1
b
0
c
1
d
0
e
1
f
0
0
0
0
NUL
SOH
STX
ETX
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
0
0
1
1
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS
US
0
1
0
2
Sp
!
#
$
%
&
(
)
+
,
.
/
0
1
1
3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
:
;
<
=
>
?
1
0
0
4
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
1
0
1
5
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
DDC3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00
1
1
0
6
`
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
1
1
1
7
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
<
|
>
~
DEL
Page A-1
Appendix B - Other Error Codes

The remote command system is designed as a packetized system of communication where each of
the commands has a response associated with it. The response to a command may be a simple
acknowledgment or it may be a sequence of requested information. Some responses sent to
commands are the result of bad characters sent to the DDC3 and others are the result of a
command received at an inappropriate time. The system design supports one command sequence
packet at a time and the remote computer should wait for the response from the current command
before the next one is sent. The following list gives the various response codes that are sent by
DDC3.
NAME
DONE
ACKN
NACK
FULL
LERR
CANCL
HEX VALUE
00DH
006H
015H
019H
010H
018H
ASCII
CR
ACK
NAK
EM
DLE
CAN
Usage as a response
end of response sequence
proper response for success
bad command response
buffer full
line communications error
cancel receive state
The first four codes in the table above are sent by the DDC3 when a remote command sequence is
finished. If one of DONE, ACKN, NACK, or FULL is received by the controlling computer it is an
indication that the DDC3 is ready for a new command and has output all data for those properly
formatted commands that have a response.
The LERR code is sent by the DDC3 in response to receiving data over the communications link
that was not recognized by the DDC3 software due to parity errors, framing errors or overrun
errors. Whenever the DDC3 sends the LERR code any partially received commands are cleared and
the system awaits the receipt of a command lead in character.
The CANCL character is sent by the DDC3 as an echo to a received CANCL. Upon receipt of the
CANCL character the DDC3 any partially received commands are cleared and the system awaits the
receipt of a command lead in character.
(Note that when the DDC3 is in the active station address mode (i.e. the station address is not programmed to 00)
the LERR and CANCL echo responses from the DDC3 are inhibited. The DDC3 still resets any partially
received command state under these conditions but will not perform the echo).
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page B-1
Appendix C - Null Modem Adapter Wiring

The following table gives details of the connections required to construct a Null-Modem cable. A
Null-Modem cable is designed to translate between two DCE Serial ports, such as the DDC3 and a
Laptop or other Remote Control device.
25 - 25 pin Null Modem
25-pin
25-pin
9-pin
9-pin
25-pin
9-pin
1&6
N/C
1&6
8 & 20
1&4
8 & 20
8 & 20
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page C-1
Appendix D Release.txt
The following details the update and modification history for standard software versions:
DDC3 STANDARD 5.01 SOFTWARE
(Latest notes shown first)
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01c HR - May 30, 2000
Bug fixes from version 5.01b HR, as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
NMI Fault was occurring when clearing or acknowledging faults in the System Status Menu.
This problem only occurred when the Fault Log was reasonably full and a large number of
unacknowledged faults was present. This would typically happen when there was a Soft RF
Fault or Soft Mark Overlap happening frequently.
Channel Swapping was non-functional in Twin-Line mode.
Two Remote Control Mode commands were repaired - "Set Alert Modes" and "Channel
Swap".
Occasionally using the Dynamic Twin-Line Alignment (F6) key in certain languages would
lock up the software. This was due to memory allocation conflicts with large pop-up boxes.
The version ID is raised to 5.01c HR. Databases created under previous releases of 5.01 software
will continue to function under this new release. As always, DLI recommends
that a backup copy of the database be made using ASCDBASE prior to loading new Firmware into
the DDC3 FLASH memory.
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01b HR - March 01, 2000
New release of software to include the released High Resolution font, called HiRes in the Default
Mark Controls Menu, and <FHR_> when selected in the Message Editor.
1.
When the HiRes font is selected as the default, the WYSIWYG display shows a closer
represntation of the HiRes print appearance.
2.
The shape of the characters in the 6x7 font was modified to match the equivalent Domino
A-series Inkjet fonts.
3.
The Expiration Update parameter now defaults to Midnight. Prior releases mistakenly set
this to First Shift, which when no shifts were defined would print an incorrect date.
Additionally the Last Shift and First Shift settings now only have an effect if at least one shift
time has been defined. Because no changes were made to the database structure, databases
saved under prior releases of version 5.01 software remain valid.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page D-1
As always, DLI recommends that a backup copy of the database be made using ASCDBASE.EXE
prior to using the REMFLASH program.
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01a ST - December 15,1999
1.
Bug fixed that caused twin line justification error indication to overrun allowed area and
remain displayed in other screens.
2.
Bug fixed that caused timed mode errors to run in an accelerated test mode ---> 1 minute =
1 second. Minutes now reinstated.
3.
Remote mark enable switch modified to be an enable only switch and not a toggle switch.
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01 Std - December 3, 1999

Standard Release of DDC3 Software.
Supports Single and Dual Head Units. Available in English until translations are completed.
The following features have been added.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Twin Line Justification Error Indication

Twin Line Mirror modes for twin line setup
Delete Symbol Disabling when present in message selected to print
Print Trigger/Cycle Outputs configurable for UOA or UOB
Configurable Mark Inhibit
Programmable Month Codes
Translated Encryption codes (available as language translations are added)
Maintenance Reminders
Test Mode Oscilloscope
Twin Line Symbols
Twin Line justification value per message
Fault Help available at System Status or ? Help key when present
Go To message number feature in Message Selector
Find message feature in Message Selector searches on message comment
DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.00a EN xx - August 24, 1999

1.
2 bugs have been fixed:
2.
Multiple Counters in a single message set up for ASYNC operation would also step on
Product Detects.
The System Counters were running at 2/3 speed.
3.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page D-2
Version ID upped to 5.00a to reflect these changes. This version remains a Single-Head only
version. Language variants can be identified as follows:
Filename:
Version ID:
Available Prompts:
DDC3_ENW.EXE
DDC3_GRW.EXE
DDC3_SPW.EXE
DDC3_FRW.EXE
DDC3_ITW.EXE
DDC3_NLW.EXE
5.00a EN
5.00a EN GR
5.00a EN SP
5.00a EN FR
5.00a EN IT
5.00a EN NL
English only
English and German only
English and Spanish only
English and French only
English and Italian only
English and Dutch only
Note: VTE.EXE and REMOTE.ZIP to be added at a later date.

DDC3 STANDARD 5.00 SOFTWARE - August 17, 1999
Standard Release of DDC-3 Software.
Suits Single Head Only.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Clocks Increased to 15.

System Counter can be reset from the Main Menu.
Fast Start Feature can be enabled after Class I Installation certification.
Capability to swap laser channels allows 5x5 back-up mode to be used with RF PCB.
Twin Line Test Positioner added to Laser Test menu.
Mark Inhibit function available for repeat and continuos modes.
Fault Indication for Beacon support added and made configurable.
Twin Line justification Logic Implemented.
Hi-Bit characters selectable from the ? (F12) pop up menu.
Power On state masks startup errors.
Serializers updated for batch links and configurable alpha string.
Cabinet Temperature Warning and Fault added to indicate overtemperature conditions.
Air/Vacuum control and monitoring available.
Duty Cycle Fault conditiond to protect system from being overdriven.
Pulse width can be limited to a maximum configurable value.
Daylight Savings feature implemented.
LPT Port Message or Insert selector.
Week number logic modified to match Domino Inkjet logic.
Half Space format code available for use in messages.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page D-3
Appendix E Technical Briefing Note Reference
DOMINO LASERS, INC.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING NOTE No 30
July 10, 1998
Use of Ascdbase for DDC3

Background:
The data base for the DDC3 software may be extracted under certain circumstances. Typical uses might be saving the old
database when installing new software, creating a database back up or to perform editing of the database from a Remote PC.
General Description:
The following details the procedure for the use of the Ascdbase.EXE Program. The Ascdbase.EXE program may be found on
the software disc that is included with each DDC3 system. Additional copies may be obtained from Domino Laser Technical
Support at + 714-385-3200.
Required Hardware:
Laptop or PC Computer with RS232 communication ability using either Com-1 or Com-2 (see note 2).
Null modem cable (see note 1).
The Laptop or IBM-compatible PC computer (called the host computer) must have one of the following operating systems
installed: MSDOS, Windows 3.1, or Windows 95.
Note: Windows 98 has not yet been tested with ASCDBASE.
Set up:
1.
Turn off the DDC3 via the E-Stop.
2.
Install a null modem cable on COM-1 of the DDC3 (see note 1) and COM-1 or COM-2 of the Host Computer (see
note 2).
3.
Insert the software disc included with the DDC3 system into the A drive of the Host computer.
4.
Turn on the DDC3 by releasing the emergency stop switch.
5.
From the MAIN MENU, press Ctrl-F1 to enter the REMOTE CONTROL mode. This may require a password; the
default password is DLI.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page E-1
Depending upon the operating system on the host computer, perform the following:
MS-DOS Mode:
At the C:\> prompt type A: <enter>then type DIR <enter>. All the files on the software disc will be displayed.
Windows 3.1:
For systems operating with Windows 3.1 use the pointing devise (mouse or track ball) to select File then select Exit
Windows. Select yes to end your windows session. At the C:\> prompt type A: <enter>then type DIR<enter>. All
the files on the software disc should now be displayed.
Windows 95:
For systems operating with Windows 95, Windows 98 use the pointing devise to select Start then Programs then
MS DOS prompt. At the C:\> prompt in MSDOS type A: <enter> then type DIR <enter>. All the files on the
software disc should now be displayed.
Reading DDC3 Database:

At the A: prompt type ASCDBASE /R Filename then enter. Next type Y this begins the process, which takes less than a
minute to complete (see note 2).
The database is extracted into a text file called Filename.ADB. Any filename extension specified will be stripped and replaced
with .ADB.
Database Editing:
At this point the database file can be read and edited using any text editor, such as Notepad in Windows 95.
In DOS, type EDIT at the A: prompt. This opens the edit menu screen with a Menu bar located at the top. Using your mouse
select File then select Open. Choose the file you wish to open followed by YES at the bottom of the screen.
At this point the database of the DDC3 will be displayed on the left-hand side of the screen and is ready for editing. To edit
simply scroll down to the desired line and enter in the new value(s).
***Important Editing Note***

Entered values must correspond to the minimum or maximum format value for the chosen command (see note 3). Using Head
A Mark Delay as an example, the minimum acceptable value is 3 and maximum acceptable value is 9,999. Any value entered out
of this format range will cause the loading of the database to stop at this line and display the following:
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page E-2
MARK_DLY_A
DDC3 ERROR: NACK on ASCII Database Load Command.
Example of Database Ready to Edit:

RTC_DATE=052098
RTC_TIME=235152
.
MSG_DATA [0]=Domino Laser
.
(see note 4)
(see example below)
ASCDBASE
FLAG
MESSAGE
FORMAT DATA
MSG_DATA[0]=Domino Laser
Once editing is complete open the File menu and select Save. Follow by selecting Exit to return to the A: prompt.
Writing the Database to the DDC3:

Enter the following: ASCDBASE /W Filename then type Y. This begins the process, which takes less than a minute to
complete. When the loading process is completed the following message will be displayed:
Domino Digital ASCII Database Process Complete
NOTES:
1.
See Technical Briefing Note #12 for complete NULL modem cable pinout details and Technical Briefing Note
#32 for Detailed Mother Board COM Port identification
2.
The command format is:

ASCDBASE [options] Filename.ADB
where options are any of the following preceded by a / and separated by spaces, and Filename specifies the
ASCII Database File to use.
/Cn
Com-port number 1-4 (default value = 1).
/Bn
Baud Rate switch (default value = 19200).
/R
0 = 300
1 = 600
2 = 1200
3 = 2400
4 = 4800
5 = 9600
6 = 19200
7 =38400
8 = 57600
9 = 115200
Read the remote Database to selected ASCII file.
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page E-3
/W
Write selected ASCII file to Remote Database.
/U
Unconditional Mode (skips confirmation prompt)
/Ln
Display Program Text in alternate Language
0 = English
/?
1 = German
2 = French
3 = Dutch
Displays this Help screen.

Note that the /Ln option has no effect at this time. All prompts are in English. To use the COM2 port, add
/C2 to the options list.
3.
For a complete description of acceptable formatting please refer to the Remote Control Document included on
the software disc. Copies may also be obtained from Domino Laser Technical support at +1 (714) 385-3200.
4.
time-stamping the extracted database file. If these parameters are loaded back into the DDC3 using ASCDBASE /W,
these 2 lines are ignored, and the time and date will not be changed within the DDC3. To change the time and date
within the DDC3, use the Master Clock Menu.
Questions?
Please contact Domino Technical Support at +1 (714) 385-3200 (fax 3211)
Originated By
Approved By
05-30-00 Issue 2
Page E-4

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Domino Lasers Inc.

1904 Wright Circle

DDC-3 Laser Coder

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

Summary of changes from previous software version

Single-Drop Mode (Station ID = 0)

E Technical Briefing Note Reference

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

DDC3 Standard Software - Version 5.01b HR March 01, 2000

New release of software to include the released High

Bug fixes from version 5.01b HR, as follows:

a. NMI Fault was occurring when clearing or

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

typically happen when there was a Soft RF Fault

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

Fast Start Feature Password

The Fast Start Feature allows an authorized user to

Soft Laser Channel Swapping

The Laser Setup menu is enhanced with a new series of

Laser Test Twin Line Lens Positioner

The Laser Test Menu is enhanced with a new toggle

Reset System Counter Command

Permits a reset of the System Counter through use of the

Continuous Print Interrupt

The Mark Inhibit , if enabled, will be redesigned to

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

In Continuous Print Mode, before each print, the

The software will be modified to include a feature for

Fault Indication on K2 Relay

The SETUP ALERTS MENU will be used to configure

Menu Title and Key Legend Changes

Reconfigure and make screen prompts and function keys

TwinLine Center and Right Justify

The TwinLine capability of the software will be

Parameter String Hi-Bit Characters

Permits the entry and storage of hi-bit characters into the

A new state referred to as the power up state that persists

Counters Operation Updates

The counter values will be kept up to date without

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

The counter Control Source parameter will be

This will be monitored from the current Spare Control

Cabinet Temperature Fault

Monitored as described in the above item but

Air / Vacuum Monitoring

New fault monitor input that will be polled from the

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

Duty Cycle Warnings

The Duty Cycle Fault hard fault will be added to show

Configurable Hard/Soft RF Faults

There is an additional toggle parameter in the Factory

Soft Fault Display Timer

Faults are displayed on the screen. A new mode has been

The software has been enhanced with the ability to drive

Max Laser Pulse Width Parameter

A new database parameter will be added to the Factory

Daylight Savings Time Feature

Programmable to settings of:

LPT Port Message Selection

The DDC3 firmware will be modified to include the

DDC-3 Remote Control Protocol - Version 5.01c HR std dated 05-30-00

The message number input scheme from the LPT1 port

Hi-Bit Character Entry

The following entry scheme will be toggled on and off