Using The ~JK Command for Delayed Cutter Operations.

Issue / Question

Using the ~JK command with the Delayed Cutter feature

Applicable To

ZPL printers with the Cutter Option using Delayed Cutter feature added in firmware "Vxx.13.0.11A"

Resolution / Answer

Requirement:

The Cutter option is installed.

Overview:

When the printer is in the Delayed Cut mode, it will cut the label when it receives the ~JK (Delayed Cut) command. To activate the ~JK command, the printer's PRINT MODE must be set to Delayed Cut, and there must be a label waiting to be cut. When the printer is not in the Delayed Cut mode, the printer does not cut the label when it receives the ~JK command.

Two normal modes of cutter operations are: 

• Cut every label 
• Cut every [x] number of label (Grouping)  

The Delayed cutter setting allows user to cut only when the print job is complete. 

Procedure:

1. Create two different configuration files:
   1. The first file is to set the printer in Delayed Cut mode. Type the following command in a notepad, and Save the file as Delayed Cut Setting.txt.

      ^XA^MMD^XZ
      

   2. The second file is to instruct the printer to cut the label. When the printer is in the Delayed Cut mode, it will cut the label when it receives the ~JK (Delayed Cut) command.
      
      Type the following command in a notepad, and Save the file as Delayed Cut Command.txt. 

      ~JK
      

2. Test the functionality of the Delayed Cut commands:
   1. Send the Delayed Cut Setting.txt file. 
   2. Send a print job to the printer that waits to be cut.  The print job must not include a ^MMT command that would set the printer back to Tear Off instead of Delayed cut.
   3. Send the Delayed Cut Command.txt file and the ZPL printer will cut the label on demand.     

NOTE  The ~JK command must be sent in a separate file, and it cannot be sent at the end of a set of commands.

Helpful Information:

• Zebra Setup Utilities: Sending Printer Commands and Receiving Data