Sending HEX data to USB printer

Hello,

I am testing a new model USB connected printer.  In order to get it to properly print barcodes that I need, I was instructed to send it a rather long hex string.  I have found tools to assist iwth this task for old LPT and Serial connected units, but nothing for USB.  I am also not able to find a lot of information on this topic elsewhere.  I have tried the copy con command through cmd to no affect. 

Any guidance on how to do this (or if somebody could point me to a tool) that would be awesome.  

Thank You!

Assuming you have software to generate barcodes on your computer(s) would it not be just as effective to do a test print of some barcodes ?

Admitting that I am working from general principles rather than detailed knowledge of barcodes, are they not just patterns generated on your computer with the patterns then being sent to the printer for printing ?  The pattern could equally well be a text document, a technical drawing or a photo. the printer drivers in the computer convert whatever the pattern is to instructions to the printer to lay down a corresponding pattern of ink blobs or toner depending on the printer.

Chris Cosgrove

Assuming you have software to generate barcodes on your computer(s) would it not be just as effective to do a test print of some barcodes ?

 

Admitting that I am working from general principles rather than detailed knowledge of barcodes, are they not just patterns generated on your computer with the patterns then being sent to the printer for printing ?  The pattern could equally well be a text document, a technical drawing or a photo. the printer drivers in the computer convert whatever the pattern is to instructions to the printer to lay down a corresponding pattern of ink blobs or toner depending on the printer.

 

Chris Cosgrove

I wish it was so simple Chris.  The printer is physically able to print barcodes from my software if I trick it using the driver set of a different printer.  I run into some formatting issues that way and things just look worse.  The hardware manufacturer insists that the HEX programming is the answer, but the lack of available knowledge on the topic has been an issue.  They offered me their tool, but it is completely in Chinese which I do not speak, nor read.  

What is the make and model of the printer?

What is the make and model of the printer?

It is not your average desktop.  It is a thermal receipt printer (for stores and restaurants) from the company OSCAN.  Standard USB connection.  

 

What is the make and model of the printer?

It is not your average desktop.  It is a thermal receipt printer (for stores and restaurants) from the company OSCAN.  Standard USB connection.  

 

That's fine.

What is the model number and firmware version?

What computer operating system is communicating with the printer?

Edited by jwoods301, 07 July 2017 - 06:22 PM.

 

 

What is the make and model of the printer?

It is not your average desktop.  It is a thermal receipt printer (for stores and restaurants) from the company OSCAN.  Standard USB connection.  

 

That's fine.

 

What is the model number and firmware version?

 

What computer operating system is communicating with the printer?

 

I believe the specific model is the OSCAN T-80 Thermal receipt printer. 

I am not sure on the firmware version, I can update on Monday when I get back to the office.

The OS is Windows 10 Professional

Thanks!

How good are your programming skills ?  I found this MS article which may be relevant -

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/322090/how-to-send-raw-data-to-a-printer-by-using-visual-basic-.net

The source of the link was here -

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21528821/Send-HEX-Byte-to-Printer-Port.html

I cannot find anything like an instruction manual for this printer. You may have to get the Chinese tool. It should not be too difficult to use if it is designed for your printer, if you are really lucky there will be an obvious place to insert your code, then press 'Enter'. Being lucky may be too much to hope for, but there is always Google Translate.

I also noticed that there are other makers of these printers, Epson and Brother to name just two. These companies tend to be a bit more forthcoming with technical information, might be worth your while seeing if you can download one of their manuals since Hex programming seems to be quite common with these devices. Another line of attack might be to see if you know anybody else who uses these devices - ask them how they set them up.

Chris Cosgrove