CommandsSystem configuration
^CO - Cache On
Adjusts character cache memory for scalable fonts
^CO - Cache On
Overview
The ^CO command changes the size of the character cache used for storing scalable font characters. The cache improves printing performance by storing rendered characters for quick retrieval. Default cache is 22K; maximum single character size without adjustment is 450x450 dots.
Syntax
^COa,b,cParameters
- a = Cache On setting
- Y = Yes, enable/resize cache (default)
- N = No, disable cache
- b = Additional memory in KB to add to cache
- Default: 40K (if not specified)
- Recommended: 300 for Kanji fonts (v16.5.0+)
- c = Cache type (v16.5.0+)
- 0 = Cache Buffer for normal fonts (default)
- 1 = Internal Buffer for Kanji fonts
Description
- Manages scalable font character caching
- Improves performance by storing rendered characters
- Allows larger character sizes
- Critical for Kanji and international fonts
- Cache memory reduces available space for other objects
Usage Notes
- Cache can be resized as needed
- Existing cached characters lost when resized
- Memory used reduces space for bitmaps, graphics, fonts
- Cache memory is not contiguous (separate blocks)
- Performance degrades if cache too large
- Kanji fonts greatly reduce available printer memory
Cache Sizes
| Configuration | Total Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Default (none) | 22K | Standard ASCII fonts |
| +40K | 62K | Larger scalable fonts |
| +100K | 122K | Very large characters |
| +300K | 322K | Kanji fonts, international |
Maximum Character Sizes
| Cache Size | Max Char Dots | Max Char Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 22K (default) | 450x450 | 2.2x2.2" (203 DPI) |
| 62K | 900x900 | 4.4x4.4" |
| 122K | 1200x1200 | 5.9x5.9" |
| 322K | 1500x1500 | 7.4x7.4" |
Examples
Default Cache
^XA
^A0N,50,50^FDText^FS
^XZUses default 22K cache.
Resize to 62K
^XA
^COY,40
^A0N,50,50^FDLarger Text^FS
^XZAllocates 62K cache (40K + 22K default).
Resize to 122K
^XA
^COY,100
^A0N,80,80^FDMuch Larger Text^FS
^XZAllocates 122K cache for very large characters.
Kanji Font Cache
^XA
^COY,300,1
^A0N,80,80^FDKanji Text^FS
^XZAllocates 322K cache with internal buffer for Kanji.
Disable Cache
^XA
^CON
^A0N,50,50^FDNo Cache^FS
^XZDisables character caching.
Considerations
Advantages
- Faster character rendering
- Smoother label printing
- Better performance with large fonts
- Essential for Kanji support
Disadvantages
- Reduces memory for other objects
- Cache uses non-contiguous memory
- Larger cache may impact performance if too large
- Takes effect immediately
Related Commands
^A- Scalable/Bitmapped Font~DT- Download TrueType Font~DU- Download Unbounded Unicode TrueType Font^CW- Font Identifier