Epson POS printer - Automatic Status Back Specification

Question

I'm trying interpret the Automatic Status Back (ASB) data from Epson POS printer. I've successfully made contact with the printer using some example code from the UB-E20 Technical Reference Guide (www.amigopos.com/faq/faq_262.aspx). Unfortunately, the manual only states where I can expect the 4 bytes of ASB data in the return string from my query. It does not explain what each bits represents in those 4 bytes. I can see that the return values change when I open the cover of the printer and/or remove paper, but I want to be certain that I am looking for the proper values for the different failure modes.

I've tried contacting Epson, but have had no response. And I cannot seem to find a spec for ASB anywhere on-line. Anyone have any experience with ASB on Epson Printers?

Answer 1

If anyone is still looking for it you can now find it at: https://reference.epson-biz.com/modules/ref_escpos/index.php?content_id=122

Answer 2

I had the same problem a few months ago, but talking with some guys from Epson i made this. This is how to get the Status of the paper I hope that this will help you.

' **********************
' Format ASCII DLE EOT n
' Decimal 16 4 n
' **********************
' n Function
' 1 Transmit printer status
' 2 Transmit off-line status
' 3 Transmit error status
' 4 Transmit paper roll sensor status
' ***********************

comPort.Write(Chr(16) & Chr(4) & Chr(4))
Dim aReplyBuffer(0) As Byte
Dim intNBytes As Integer = 0
comPort.Read(aReplyBuffer, 0, 1)

AND THIS IS THE RESPONSE

' Status Response
' n name
' 0 Error
' 30 No Paper
' 18 OK

Answer 3

I contacted Epson directly through their developer network. They had me sign an NDA and now I have the spec. I'm just putting this info up here for anyone who might need it in the future.