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Using Barcodes in OpenVMS Applications
This set of sequences should be used to (re-)invoke your text font. Specify spacing (horizontal and
vertical) parameters to avoid ambiguity when switching fonts.
If using a "built-in" fixed pitch font (e.g. Elite 10pt, 12pitch):
SGR(14)
<CSI> 14 m
DECVERP(6)
<CSI> 1 z
DECSHORP(12)
<CSI> 2 w
If using a downloaded proportional font, explicitly tell the printer to use information embedded within
the font for positioning characters:
SGR(14)
<CSI> 14 m
DECVERP(font)
<CSI> 0 z
DECSHORP(font)
<CSI> 0 w
"begin BARCODE" sequence
SGR(18)
<CSI> 18 m
DECVERP(font)
<CSI> 0 z
DECSHORP(font)
<CSI> 0 w
2. Many Fonts
If you use more than 9 fonts within a print job (and run out of SGR numbers), simply assign the
font and set parameters each time it is to be invoked.
DECATFF
<DCS> 1 ; 18 | UBAR39PF02SK00GG <ST>
SGR(18)
<CSI> 18 m
DECVERP(font)
<CSI> 0 z
DECSHORP(font)
<CSI> 0 w
To avoid the overhead of switching fonts in complex print jobs, it is best to print all of the text for each type
size/style at once, and move on to the next font. Since this may not be practical, minimize font assignment
overhead by using one SGR slot for reassignments and only reassign the least-used fonts.
3. Compatibility
If your site uses the DEC LN03X-DE barcode cartridge on LN03 printers, you may substitute
by assigning the downloaded font to SGR(18) and printing normally. Include the full 16-character Font ID in the
DECATFF sequence.
Notes on barcode parameters and geometry
Comparison with LN03 ROM-based Fonts from DEC
As you probably know, the LN03X-DE contains lettered and unlettered variants of a 5 character-per-inch font.
Our Code39 standard package provides fonts with slightly different size and the font family names differentiate
between text-labeled and plain.
LN03X-DE
TCI Code39 Standard Fonts
18pt
36pt
18pt
24pt
36pt
36pt
Family name
DBARM39 DBARM39 UBAR39P UBAR39P UBAR39M UBAR39P
Text
--
YES
--
--
YES
--
Height(inches)
0.25
0.5
0.25
0.33
0.5
0.5
Symbols/inch
5
5
8
6
6
4
Custom Barcode Geometry
If you wish, TCI can easily produce custom-sized barcode fonts tailored to your needs.
