Question: Does anyone know how to print a barcode to the Intermec PB20 bluetooth printer from a Windows Compact Framework application? We are currently using the Intermec LinePrinter API but have been unable to find a way to print a barcode.
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Answer: 
Thank you all for your thoughts. Printing directly to the serial port is likely the most flexible method. In this case we didn't want to replicate all of the work that was already built into the Intermec dll for handling the port, printer errors, etc. We were able to get this working by sending the printer the appropriate codes to switch it into a different mode and then pass direct printer commands that way.

Here was our solution in case anyone else happens to encounter a similar issue working with Intermec Printers. The following code is a test case that doesn't catch printer errors and retry, etc. (See Intermec code examples.)

```
Intermec.Print.LinePrinter lp;

int escapeCharacter = int.Parse("1b", NumberStyles.HexNumber);
char[] toEzPrintMode = new char[] { Convert.ToChar(num2), 'E', 'Z' };

lp = new Intermec.Print.LinePrinter("Printer_Config.XML", "PrinterPB20_40COL");
lp.Open();

lp.Write(charArray2); //switch to ez print mode

string testBarcode = "{PRINT:@75,10:PD417,YDIM 6,XDIM 2,COLUMNS 2, SECURITY 3|ABCDEFGHIJKL|}";
lp.Write(testBarcode);

lp.Write("{LP}"); //switch from ez print mode back to line printer mode

lp.NewLine();
lp.Write("Test"); //verify line printer mode is working

```

There is a technical document on Intermec's support site called the "Technical Manual" that describes the code for directly controlling the printer. The section about Easy Print describes how to print a variety of barcodes.
[Free 3 of 9](http://www.squaregear.net/fonts/free3of9.shtml)

> 
> This is 3 of 9 (sometimes called "code
>  39"), a widely used barcode standard
>  that includes capital letters,
>  numbers, and several symbols. This is
>  not the barcode for UPC's (universal
>  price codes) found on products at the
>  store. However, most kinds of barcode
>  scanners will recognize 3 of 9 just
>  fine.
> 
> 
>