CommandsLabel formatting
^MF - Media Feed
Controls media feed behavior at power-up and print head close
^MF - Media Feed
Overview
The ^MF command dictates what happens to the media at power-up and after closing the print head. This allows you to control whether the printer automatically feeds media to the first label position, calibrates, or maintains the current media position. This is particularly useful for conserving media or maintaining precise positioning across power cycles or head opening events.
Syntax
^MFp,hParameters
- p = Feed action at power-up
- F = Feed to first web after sensor (default)
- C = Calibrate media
- L = Feed to label length position
- N = No media feed
- h = Feed action after closing print head
- F = Feed to first web after sensor (default)
- C = Calibrate media
- L = Feed to label length position
- N = No media feed
Feed Actions
Feed to First Web (F)
- Default behavior
- Feeds media to first gap/web after sensor
- Positions next label under print head
- Best for normal operations
Calibrate Media (C)
- Performs media calibration routine
- Detects label length and sensor thresholds
- Best when first installing media
- Takes longer than other options
Feed to Label Length (L)
- Feeds media to position matching label length setting
- Requires label length already configured
- Maintains alignment for batch printing
- Best for precise positioning
No Media Feed (N)
- Maintains current media position
- No movement at power-up or head close
- Important: Assumes media position hasn't changed
- Conserves media; use with caution
- Can cause registration errors if media position lost
Description
- Controls automatic media positioning on startup
- Controls behavior after print head is closed
- Allows balancing between media conservation and convenience
- Important for unattended printer environments
Usage Notes
- Default value for both parameters is F (Feed to first web)
- If media position is lost and N is used, registration errors occur
- Use
^JUto save changes permanently - Setting persists across power cycles
- For critical applications, use F for reliability
Examples
Standard Feed (Default)
^XA
^MFF,F
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDStandard Feed^FS
^XZFeed to first web at both power-up and after closing print head.
No Media Feed
^XA
^MFN,N
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDNo Feed^FS
^XZNo media movement - assumes media position maintained.
Calibrate on Power-up
^XA
^MFC,F
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDCalibrate on Power-up^FS
^XZCalibrate media at power-up, feed normally after closing head.
Label Length Positioning
^XA
^MFL,L
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDLabel Length Feed^FS
^XZFeed to label length position at both power-up and head close.
Mixed Mode
^XA
^MFC,F
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDCalibrate then Feed^FS
^XZCalibrate at power-up, feed to first web after closing head.
Common Scenarios
New Media Installation
- Use ^MFC,F to calibrate on startup
- Discovers label length and sensor settings
- Ensures proper registration
Resuming Printing
- Use ^MFF,N if media position maintained
- Avoids wasting media
- Faster startup
Batch Printing
- Use ^MFL,L for consistent positioning
- Each batch starts at same position
- Better for high-volume operations
Unattended Operations
- Use ^MFF,F for reliability
- Always positions media correctly
- Less chance of errors
Related Commands
^LL- Label Length^MM- Print Mode^MN- Media Tracking^JU- Configuration Update^SS- Set Media Sensors