^MN - Media Tracking

Overview

The ^MN command tells the printer what type of media is being used for tracking purposes. It distinguishes between continuous media (no physical separation between labels) and non-continuous media (with physical characteristics like webs, notches, perforations, or holes that separate labels). For continuous media, label length is determined by the ^LL instruction, while non-continuous media uses physical markers for label detection.

Syntax

^MNa

Parameters

• a = Media type (required)
  • N = Continuous Media (no gap/mark)
  • Y = Non-Continuous Media (Web/Gap Sensing)
  • W = Non-Continuous Media (Web Sensing, v14.5.3+)
  • M = Non-Continuous Media (Mark Sensing, v14.5.3+)

Media Types

Continuous Media (N)

• Media has no physical characteristic to separate labels
• Label length defined by ^LL command
• Spacing between labels determined by ZPL instructions
• Use for: continuous roll without gaps/marks

Non-Continuous Media - Web Sensing (Y/W)

• Media has physical gap or web between labels
• Printer uses sensor to detect gap/web
• Physical spacing separates labels automatically
• Use for: pre-cut labels, perforated media, die-cut labels

Non-Continuous Media - Mark Sensing (M)

• Media uses black registration marks to indicate label boundaries
• Printer detects black marks for positioning
• Accurate for precise label alignment
• Use for: mark-based registration media

Description

• Determines how printer detects and positions labels
• Affects media calibration and advancement
• Essential for proper label registration
• Different sensing methods provide accuracy for different media types

Usage Notes

• Instruction is ignored if parameter is missing or incorrect
• Continuous media (N) requires ^LL command to specify label length
• Non-continuous media (Y, W, M) automatically detect boundaries
• W and M options introduced in firmware v14.5.3 and 18.6.0
• Media must be properly calibrated for accurate tracking
• Incorrect setting results in misalignment and registration errors

Examples

Continuous Media

^XA
^MNN
^LL812
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDContinuous Media^FS
^XZ

Sets continuous media with label length of 812 dots (4 inches at 203 DPI).

Gap Sensing

^XA
^MNY
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDGap Media^FS
^XZ

Sets non-continuous media with web/gap sensing.

Mark Sensing

^XA
^MNM
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDMark Media^FS
^XZ

Sets non-continuous media with black mark detection.

Media Examples

Related Commands

• ^LL - Label Length (for continuous media)
• ^MM - Print Mode
• ^MT - Media Type
• ^MF - Media Feed
• ^SS - Set Media Sensors

See Also

• Label Length (^LL)
• Print Mode (^MM)
• Set Media Sensors (^SS)