Question : Driver for Markem Imaje 8018 printer

The Markem Imaje 8018 is a specialized printer intended for use in highspeed packaging lines to print labels directly on plastic. It is made to communicate with a handheld "pendant" control for data entry. I don't want to do that because the text needs to change after every 10 items being printed, and instead want to send the text from a laptop running Windows XP.

pdf file dscribing the printer http://www.markem-imaje.com/international/com/en-us/home-page/products/file.cfm/Markem_Imaje_8018_DS_HQ_A1_S.pdf?contentID=2054
It uses RS422 to communicate with the printer according to the Communication protocol document.

I realize that other Markem Imaje printers have drivers available on the web. But not this series. I also realize that Markem Imaje makes available the CoLOS software to make it easy to print logos and other fixed content using the printer. I need variable text, however.

What's the best approach to communicating with the printer? Do I need to write a driver? A plug-in for a generic driver? Markem Imaje refuses to help, saying take it or leave it--a surprisingly cavalier attitude for a $10,000 product.

Brad

Attachments:

series18-communications-protocol.doc (162 KB) (File Type Details) 

Communication protocol

Answer : Driver for Markem Imaje 8018 printer

I downloaded CoLOS 4.2.1 from the Markem Imaje web site (the freeware version) and installed it. I found by building a sample label image file that its output is really just a couple of pages of XML tags, and is entirely in human readable format.

Since my application involves fixed layout, but variable information, the easiest solution is to parse the image file using a text editor like Notepad into variable fields and static text before and after each variable field. After entering new information into the variable fields, the static parts may be concatenated with the variable fields. The end result is an image file that may be sent to the printer over its USB port.

No printer driver was necessary for my purposes.

Brad