14 I-Class3.0.1 CommunicationsUsing a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automatically in theprinter. At power-up, the printer begins monitoring the interface ports foractivity. When the host transmits data, the printer port detecting this data is set‘active’ and remains active as long as data flow continues. Once the incoming(received) data flow stops and the Host Timeout Value (see Section 4.1.6) isexceeded, the detection process will be repeated. In addition, should the dataflow stop before a complete label format is received, the format will be ignoredand must be sent to the printer again.˛ Note: To change an active port immediately, cycle the printer power ‘Off’and ‘On’.Parallel Port:The parallel interface has two menu-selectable modes of operation: uni-directional or bi-directional. Uni-directional mode is forward channelcommunication and requires a Centronics cable with a 36 pin male connector.Bi-directional mode is IEEE 1284 Compliant, using forward and reverse channelcommunications. In this mode, data can be sent to the host provided it is alsoIEEE 1284 Compliant and has supporting software. This mode requires an IEEE1284 cable with a Centronics 36 pin male connector.Serial Port:The serial interface supports RS-232C and, if equipped, RS-422communications. The following list of serial port settings is menu-selectable andmust match the host computer’s serial port settings; see Section 4.1.6.• Baud Rate (serial communication speed)• Word Length• Word Parity• Number of Stop Bits• Handshaking ProtocolIn addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must havespecific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the hostand printer. The different serial cable pin-outs, suggested applications, and partnumbers are in the following table (contact your reseller for orderinginformation).