~HS - Host Status Return

Overview

The ~HS command returns comprehensive printer status information in three formatted data strings. Provides real-time status of communication settings, paper condition, buffer status, errors, and temperature for printer monitoring and management.

Syntax

~

Parameters

None

Description

• Returns three data strings with status info
• Each string enclosed in STX/ETX markers
• Includes paper, buffer, temperature status
• Communication and diagnostic information
• Processed immediately

Return Format

String 1:

<STX>aaa,b,c,dddd,eee,f,g,h,iii,j,k,l<ETX><CR><LF>

String 1 Fields

Communication Settings Decoding

The aaa field is binary-encoded decimal:

• Baud rate
• Data bits
• Parity
• Stop bits
• Handshaking

Convert to binary for detailed decoding.

Examples

Request Status

~

Returns:

<STX>125,0,0,0812,0003,0,0,0,000,0,0,0<ETX><CR><LF>

Interpretation:

• Communication: 125 (detailed settings)
• Paper: OK
• Pause: Running
• Label length: 812 dots (4 inches)
• Formats queued: 3
• Buffer: Not full
• Diagnostics: Off
• Partial format: None
• RAM: OK
• Temperature: Normal (both OK)

Error Condition

~HS

Returns:

<STX>125,1,0,0812,0000,0,0,0,000,0,0,0<ETX><CR><LF>

Shows paper out condition (b=1).

Status Flags

Paper Status (b)

• 0 = Paper OK
• 1 = Paper Out

Pause Status (c)

• 0 = Running/Ready
• 1 = Paused

Buffer Status (f)

• 0 = Space available
• 1 = Buffer full

Memory Status (j)

• 0 = RAM OK
• 1 = Configuration lost/corrupted

Temperature Status

• k = Under temperature (abnormally cold)
• l = Over temperature (abnormally hot)

Usage Scenarios

Monitor Printer State

Send: ~HS
Check: Paper status, buffer status, errors
Action: Respond to paper out, pause conditions

Error Detection

1. Request ~HS
2. Check j (RAM), k (temp), l (temp) flags
3. Detect and log errors
4. Alert if corruption detected

Queue Management

~

Related Commands

• ~HI - Host Identification
• ^HV - Host Verification
• ~WC - Print Configuration Label

See Also

• Host Identification (~HI)
• Print Configuration Label (~WC)