Troubleshooting
Problem
This document provides information on the supportfor two-dimension bar codes, including MaxiCode, PDF417, and Data Matrix bar codes.
Resolving The Problem
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- The printer hardware must be capable of printing the bar codes.
- Not all printers are capable of printing the bar codes.
- Not all IBM software products that create PDF files support the bar codes. Transform Services, product 5770TS1, supports 2D bar codes, but Infoprint Server, product 5722IP1, does not.
- When printing bar codes, the IBM i sends the bar code specifications as defined by the DDS to the printer. The printer hardware builds the bar code based on those specifications and prints it. If the bar code prints incorrectly, the firmware on hte printer hardware might need to be updated.
- The Unprintable character action (RPLUNPRT) parameter in the printer file may need to be set to *NO for some languages.
Support for 2D Bar Codes in the BARCODE DDS Keyword
The BARCODE DDS keyword has support for MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix and QR Code. Two-dimensional bar codes can be generated using the BARCODE DDS keyword by specifying a Bar Code ID of MAXICODE, PDF417 or DATAMATRIX, respectively. At OS 7.1, there is no Bar Code ID for "QRCODE" bar codes. Prior to 7.2, you would need to generate the bar code using a Numeric ID of 32 and a Modifier of 02.
The bar codes can only be printed on ASCII or IPDS™ printers that have support for these types of 2D bar codes in their printer firmware.
For more information on generating two-dimensional bar codes, refer to the Programming DDS for Printer Files manual, or the BARCODE (Bar Code) keyword in printer files topic in the IBM Knowledge Center.
Support for 2D Bar Codes in the AFPDS to ASCII Transform code within Host Print Transform (HPT) and Transform Services (5770TS1)
2D bar codes, namely MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix and QR Code using the AFPDS to ASCII Transform code within Host Print Transform (HPT) and through Transform Services is supported.
Support for 2D Bar Codes on IPDS Printers and Infoprint Server (5722IP1)
The IPDS printer hardware must be capable of printing the 2D bar code. To find out which IPDS printers support these types of bar codes, contact your third party printer manufacturer.
Infoprint Server, product 5722IP1, which emulates an IPDS printer to create PDF files from spooled files, does not support any of the 2D bar codes. Consider using Transform Services, product 5770TS1, to create the PDF file instead.
General Information on MaxiCode
MaxiCode is a two-dimensional bar-code technology for packing a large amount of information into a label that is 1 inch by 1 inch in size. It consists of an array of 866 interlocking hexagons that contains a central bull's-eye which is used for locating the label in any orientation. Other features include the following:
| o | Holds approximately 100 characters of data per label. |
| o | Can be read in any orientation. |
| o | Uses Reed-Solomon error correction. |
| o | Stores binary message data in pseudo-random order. |
| o | Can be printed on printers with 200 IBM DPI resolution or better. |
| o | High priority messages can be retrieved when up to 25 percent of label has been damaged. |
| o | Has been submitted to Automated Identification Manufacturers (AIM) Association for publication as a standard machine-readable symbology. |
MaxiCode was developed by UPS; however, it is considered to be public domain. Use of MaxiCode is free; however, they have the requirement that they must meet the specification. A MaxiCode symbol looks something like this:
Printing MaxiCode from a Spooled File
Downloadable fonts cannot be used to generate this type of bar code. However, there are third-party applications that will generate a MaxiCode symbol on a PC. In addition, there may be third-party applications that can generate them on IBM i. Once you have generated a MaxiCode symbol, you should be able to embed it in a *USERASCII spooled file or convert it to an AFPDS page segment and include it in an *AFPDS spooled file. As previously noted, the printer hardware must be capable of printing the bar code. Refer to the printer documentation or contact the manufacturer to confirm the hardware capabilities.
Printing MaxiCode from a Spooled File
Downloadable fonts cannot be used to generate this type of bar code. However, there are third-party applications that will generate a MaxiCode symbol on a PC. In addition, there may be third-party applications that can generate them on IBM i. Once you have generated a MaxiCode symbol, you should be able to embed it in a *USERASCII spooled file or convert it to an AFPDS page segment and include it in an *AFPDS spooled file. As previously noted, the printer hardware must be capable of printing the bar code. Refer to the printer documentation or contact the manufacturer to confirm the hardware capabilities.
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Historical Number
13481357
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Document Information
Modified date:
30 March 2021
UID
nas8N1018277