Brady TAGUS T300 User Manual

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or

registered service marks of their respective companies.

Firmware (Software) Agreement

The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business. The User agrees not to, and not to

authorize or permit any other person or party to, duplicate or copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-volatile or programmable memory. Th e fi rmw a re (Software) is protected by

applicable copyright laws and Licensor retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its suppliers be liable for any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic, special, or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware (Software).

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Brady Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Brady Corporation.

Part Number: Y98952

Revision: A

(old p/n 88-2313-01)

i Rev A

Agency Compliance and Approvals

UL60950 Information Technology Equipment C22.2 No. 950-M93

C US Listed

Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of a min

EN60950

For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V.

Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR" markiert ist, bestehend mindestens aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.

As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms to the following standards or other normative documents: EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B

EN 50024 (1998)

Safety: This product complies with the requirements of EN 60950 /A11:1997. Gost-R certification mark.

FCC:

 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A

ii Rev A

This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.

This device complies with NOM-019-SCFI-1998 (safety of data processing equipment) and is certified by NYCE or an equivalent certification body.

digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.

In accordance with the European WEEE Directive, this device needs to be recycled in the European Union country in which it was purchased.

Important Safety Instructions

This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the printer:

• Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your printer.

• Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer.

• Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.

• To protect your printer from overheating, make sure all openings on the printer are not

blocked.

• Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.

• Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it.

• Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on your printer. If you are

unsure, check with your dealer or with your local power company.

• Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the power cord becomes

damaged or frayed replace it immediately.

• Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.

• Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair your printer.

iii Rev A

PRINTER OVERVIEW ..................................................................................... 1-1

Introduction.............................................................................................................1-1

About this Printer ...............................................................................................1-2

Standard Features .....................................................................................1-2

Optional Features ....................................................................................... 1-3

GETTING STAR TED .................. ..................................................................... 2-1

Before Using the Printer ......................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .....................2-1

Removing the Packaging ...................................... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ..............2-1

Inspecting the Printer ..................................................................................2-2

Additional Requirements .............................................................................2-2

SETTING UP THE PRINTER ............................................................................. 3-1

Introduction.............................................................................................................3-1

Connecting the Printer ...................................................................................... 3-1

Power Connection ......................................................................................3-1

Interface Connection ...................................................................................3-3

Loading Media ..................................................................................................3-4

Media Sensor Adjustment ............................... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .. 3-7

Loading Ribbon .................................... .... ... ... ... ... .......................................... .. 3-8

Ribbon Routing (Coated Side Out) ...........................................................3-10

USING THE FRONT PANEL (NON-DISPLAY PRINTERS)........ ................................ 4-1

Introduction.............................................................................................................4-1

Lights ................................................................................................................ 4-2

Buttons .............................................................................................................. 4-2

Normal Mode - Button Functions ..................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .. 4-3

Express Setup Mode - Button Functions ...........................................................4-4

Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions ............................................................. 4-5

Printer Setup Menu List ..............................................................................4-6

Menu Items and Values .............................................................................. 4-7

Step by Step Modification of the Printer Setup ......................................... 4-10

Label Alignment ..............................................................................................4-12

Label Alignment = YES .............................................................................4-12

Label Alignment = AUTO ..........................................................................4-13

Label Alignment = NO ...............................................................................4-13

Label Alignment Troubleshooting .............................................................4-14

Calibration Mode – Button Functions ..............................................................4-16

Auto Media Sensor Calibration .............................................. ... .... ... ... ... ... 4-18

Manual Media Sensor Calibration ............................................................4-19

Internal Labels .................................................................................................4-20

Database Configuration and Test Labels ................................................. 4-20

Test Label .................................................................................................4-22

iv Rev A

USING THE FRONT PANEL (T300) ..................................... ............................. 5-1

Introduction.............................................................................................................5-1

Ready Mode: Normal Operation (Ready Light ‘On’) . ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ...... ... ..5-2

Menu Mode: Configuration (Ready Light ‘Flashing’) ..................................5-3

Quick Test Mode: Print Test Labels ... .... .......................................... ... ........5-4

Indicator Lights .........................................................................................5-5

LCD ...........................................................................................................5-5

The Menu System .............................................................................................5-6

Entrance and Exit Prompts ........................................................................5-7

Media Settings ..........................................................................................5-8

Print Control .............................. ... ... ... .... .......................................... ... ......5-10

Printer Options ............................... ... .... ... .......................................... ... ...5-11

System Settings .......................... ... ... .... .......................................... ... ... ...5-13

Communications .......................................................................................5-20

Diagnostics ...............................................................................................5-24

MCL Options ................................ ... ... .... ... .......................................... ... ...5-25

Display Messages ...........................................................................................5-27

User Prompts and Condition Messages ....................................................5-28

Quick Test Mode .............................................................................................5-29

Print Quality Label ........ ... ... ... .......................................... .... ... ... ... .............5-29

Configuration Label .............. .......................................... .... ... ... ... .... .........5-31

Quick Ribbon Test Label ...........................................................................5-32

Validation Label .........................................................................................5-33

Print Last Label ............................... ... .... ... ... .......................................... ...5-33

User Defined Label ...... ... ... .......................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ...5-34

Media Sensor Calibration .......................................... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ...5-34

Quick Calibration .......................................................................................5-35

Standard Calibration .................................................................................5-36

Advanced Entry Calibration .......................................................................5-39

v Rev A

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS............................................. .................... 6-1

Introduction.............................................................................................................6-1

Cleaning the Printhead ......................................................................................6-2

Media Width Adjustment ................................. ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .....................6-4

Printhead Burn Line Adjustment ........................................................................ 6-6

BRADY T300 and Raised-Panel Labels ................................................. ... ... ... .. 6-7

Print Head Leveling Adjustment ............................ ..........................................6-11

Printhead Pressure Adjustment ....................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... 6-14

Ribbon Wrinkle Adjustment ................ ... .... ... ... ... ... .......................................... 6-16

Printhead Replacement ................................................................................... 6-19

Darkness Adjustment (non-display printers only) ............................................6-20

Resetting the Printer ....... ... .......................................... ... ................................ 6-20

Downloading Firmware and Fonts ...................................................................6-22

TROUBLESHOOTING............................. ......................................................... 7-1

Problem Resolution................................................................................................ 7-1

Fault and Warning Messages (Display Printers Only) .....................................7-5

Fault Messages ..........................................................................................7-5

Warning Messages .....................................................................................7-9

Hex Dump Mode .............................................................................................7-10

Non-display Printers .................................................................................7-10

Display Printers ........................................................................................ 7-11

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... .................... 8-1

PPENDIX A: ASCII CONTROL CHART .....................................................................A-1

PPENDIX B: EMBEDDED FONTS AND BARCODES...............................................B-1

PPENDIX C: OPTIONAL INTERNAL ETHERNET PRINTER DRIVER................................C-1

PPENDIX D: MENU SYSTEM MULTI-LANGUAGE SUPPORT (DISPLAY PRINTERS ONLY)D-1

PPENDIX E: SAVING A CONFIGURATION FILE (DISPLAY PRINTERS ONLY) .................E-1

PPENDIX F: GPIO PORT DESCRIPTION ................................................................F-1

PPENDIX G: WARRANTY INFORMATION.................................................................G-1

LOSSARY ............................................................................................................ GL-1

vi Rev A

Printer Overview

1. Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a Brady Tagus printer. The Tagus family, hereafter referred to as ‘the printer,’ blends the rugged durability of die-cast construction with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to redefine the standard in industrial thermal printers. The printer, available in direct thermal transfer and optional configurations, uses unique front panel designs to simplify operation, while its USB, RS232 serial, IEEE 1284 compliant parallel and an optional internal print server (T-300 only) interface allow easy connection to your host system.

This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the printer. To print labels or tags simply refer to the instructions included with the software you have chosen

to create the labels. A Windows printer driver can be found on our website (www.BradyID.com) or on the included

CD-ROM.

1-1 Rev A

1.1 About this Printer

This printer offers the following standard and optional features:

1.1.1 Standard Features

Printing

• Thermal Transfer Printing

• On Demand and Batch Printing

• 203 DPI (T-200) 300 DPI (T-300) Printhead

• Date and Time Stamp

• AGFA Scalable Font Engine

• 2 Resident Scaleable fonts, CG Triumvirate™ regular and bold-condensed

(T-300 only)

Memory

• 2 MB FLASH Memory (256K available to user, designated: Module B)

• 4 MB DRAM Memory (T-200)

• 8 MB DRAM Memory (T-300))

Interfaces

• USB interface

• DB-9 RS-232 serial interface

• IEEE 1284 Centronics



parallel interface

Operational

• Simple Media Loading

• Media Tearbar

• Fan-fold media compatible from the bottom and rear of printer

1-2 Rev A About this Printer

1.1.2 Optional Features

FLASH Memory Expansion (requires new main PCB)

An optional main PCB assembly is available with 4MB (T-200) 8MB (T-300)) Flash memory expansion for International Language Printing Capability (ILPC) and/or additional fonts and graphics.

ILPC

The International Language Print Capability consisting of one of the following:

• CG-Times (western European) Scalable font

• Kanji Gothic B Scalable font

• Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font

• Korean Hangul font

External Ethernet Connectivity (uses printer’s parallel port)

The External Print Server is an external Network Interface Controller (NIC) that enables the printer to provide Ethernet connectivity.

Internal Ethernet Connectivity (printers with front display only)

The Internal Ethernet Print Server is an internal Network Interface Controller (NIC) that enables the printer to provide Ethernet connectivity. Features include:

• Automatic selection of 10BaseT (Thinnet) or 100BaseT Fast Ethernet connection.

• Integral HTTP Server to allow monitoring and management from a standard Web browser

program.

• FTP printing to allow printing directly from a Web browser or other FTP client.

• LPR/LPD over TCP/IP for UNIX platforms and Microsoft’s Windows.

• Raw sockets support over selectable TCP/IP port with filters for selected UNIX

environment.

• IP SNMP support of MIB-2, proprietary NIC MIB and public and proprietary (private)

Printer MIB.

• SNMP traps to alert administrators of printer errors (paper/ribbon out, head up, etc).

• DHCP, BootP, and RARP services supported

About this Printer 1-3 Rev A

MCL (printers with front display only)

A software tool suite designed for data collection applications. Once enabled, the printer can accept input data from peripheral devices such as barcode scanners, weigh scales, and keyboards without the need of a host computer, requesting and sending data to locally resident lookup files or remote databases, enhancing communication capabilities within your system while reducing your hardware investment.

1-4 Rev A About this Printer

Getting Started

2. Before Using the Printer

2.1 Removing the Packaging

Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if damage is evident notify the shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.

The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In order to operate the printer you will need to remove the packaging materials (i.e., tape and foam) that were placed in the printer for shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or attempting to load media.

• Ensure that the arrow on the box is pointing up, and then open the box.

• Remove the top piece of packing foam.

• Lift the printer from the box.

• Remove the printer from the plastic bag.

• Remove any tape or additional packing foam from the inside of the printer.

Note: It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that shipping

the printer is ever required.

2-1 Rev A

2.1.1 Inspecting the Printer

After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents. The following items should be included:

• Printer

• Power Cord

• CD-ROM and Documentation

• Any special or additionally purchased items.

2.1.2 Additional Requirements

The following items are necessary for generating labels from your printer. Contact Brady customer support or sales representative for advice on which media and software may best be suited for your application.

• Serial, USB or Parallel cable

• Ethernet cable for optional LAN connectivity

• Applicable Brady Media

• Applicable Brady Software

2-2 Rev A Removing the Packaging

Setting up the Printer

3. Introduction

This chapter explains how to connect your printer, load media (and ribbon, if equipped for thermal transfer).

3.1 Connecting the Printer

3.1.1 Power Connection

Note: When connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the printer,

ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.

1. Place the printer on a firm, level surface.

2. Ensure that the Power Switch on the Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.

3. Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer, and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The power supply automatically detects and then adjusts to the applied line voltage; see Section 8.0 for the acceptable voltage ranges.)

3-1 Rev A

3.1.2 Interface Connection

The printer can be connected to the host via a USB, serial or parallel cable. The Printer will automatically connect to the first port (USB, serial or parallel) that transmits valid data. After this connection has been made, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change the interface connection.

USB Connection:

The USB Interface is supported in Windows95 and greater. Depending upon the operating system of your host computer, installation may differ slightly.

Parallel Connection:

The parallel interface requires a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36 pin male connector. Bi-directional mode is IEEE 1284 Compliant, using forward and reverse channel communications. In this mode, data can be sent to the host provided it is also IEEE 1284 Compliant and has supporting software. Default is uni-directional, for printers with front display, see Chapter 5.

Serial Connection:

The serial interface supports RS-232C communications via a DB-9 connector. The following list of serial port settings is menu-selectable and must match the host computer’s serial port settings; see Chapter 4, for non-display printers or Chapter 5 for display printers.

Baud Rate (Default 9600 bps)

Word Length (Default 8 bits)In addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must have specific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the host and printer. The different serial cable pin-outs and part numbers are in the following table (contact your reseller for ordering information).

Part # 32-2483-01 Part # 32-2301-01

Optional Internal Ethernet Print Server: (printers with front display only)

The printer is available with an optional Internal Ethernet Print Server. When using this connection please refer to Appendix C or the instructions included with the option for proper setup and configuration.

3-2 Rev A Connecting the Printer

3.2 Loading Media

Load media into the printer as follows:

1. Open the media cover and lower the Media Hub Guide and Media Guide.

2. Press in on the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Assembly.

Loading Media 3-3 Rev A

3. Slide the Roll Media onto the Media Hub and raise the Media Hub Guide. The Media Hub Guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the Roll Media.

4. Route the Media through the printer as shown. Raise the Media Guide. The Media Guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the edge of the Media.

3-4 Rev A Loading Media

5. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place.

6. Close the cover and press the button several times to position the media and ensure

FEED

proper tracking.

If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, as denoted by the light, it

ERROR

may be necessary to:

Printers without

Printers with

front display:Perform the Auto Media Sensor Calibration, see section 4.7.1.

front display:Press and hold the button until at least one label gap or

FEED

mark is advanced then release. For additional calibration procedures, see section 5.4

Note: The printer is factory set to use 4-inch media (and ribbon, if the rmal transfer equipped). When using a different media/ribbon width, please refer to section 6.2.

Loading Media 3-5 Rev A

3.3 Media Sensor Adjustment

The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect the presence of media and the top-of-form (except for continuous stock, where the TOF is set through the front panel).

To adjust:

1. With media loaded, as described in Section 3.2, grasp the Slide Tab and move the Sensor Eye Mark into position over media according to the table below.

2. If loading media, return to the media loading instructions.

Media Sensor Selection and Adjustment

Media Type Sensor Eye Mark Position

Die-cut Near the middle of the label

Notched Centered over the notch Gap

Continuous Near the middle of the media Continuous

Sensing Required

Gap

3-6 Rev A Media Sensor Adjustment

3.4 Loading Ribbon

Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. It is recommended that the width of the ribbon be slightly wider than the media being used. The printer must use ribbons with the ‘coating side out’.

To load:

Note: Using a ribbon that is slightly wider than your media (and liner, if any) will help protect against printhead wear.

1. Open the media cover. Press in on the Printhead Latch and raise the printhead assembly.

2. Slide the Ribbon Roll onto the Ribbon Supply Hub until it rests against the hub’s flang e. Ensure the ribbon un winds correctly , so the ribbon flows of f the roll in a clockwise direction.

3. Route the ribbon under the Ribbon Idler and then out the front of the printer approximately 12 inches.

Loading Ribbon 3-7 Rev A

4. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place.

5. Route the ribbon up and then around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub, winding it several times in a clockwise direction to secure it in place.

6. Close the cover and press the button several times to position the ribbon and ensure

FEED

proper tracking.

7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to ‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using a ribbon;

Printers without Printers with

front display: See section 4.5.2

front display: See section 5.1.2

3-8 Rev A Loading Ribbon

3.4.1 Ribbon Routing (Coated Side Out)

Note: Directional Arrows near the Ribbon Supply Hub indicate the correct ribbon

route. Ribbon types are available with the ink (coating) layer wound ‘in’ or ‘out’. These types are NOT interchangeable for use with the printer.

Note: Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the printhead.

Ribbon Routing Diagram

‘Coating Side Out’ Brady Ribbon Supply Hub

Loading Ribbon 3-9 Rev A

3-10 Rev A Loading Ribbon

Using the Front Panel

(non-display printers)

4. Introduction

The Front Panel consists of three indicator lights and three function buttons. The functions of these lights and controls are listed in the following sections.

4-1 Rev A

4.1 Lights

• Both the and

initialization and a warm reset.

READY STOP

Lights will be on during power-up

4.2 Buttons

The three buttons, , , and perform different functions based on the printer’s operational mode. The printer operates in one of the following modes:

Normal: Normal printer functions. See Section 4.3. Express Setup:Allows quick access to the most common printer settings, (Sensor

Printer Setup: Allows changes to the printer’s operational settings. See Section 4.5. Calibration: Allows the ‘calibration’ of the media being used for the correct sensing

PAUSE

Type, Media Type, and Option Control. See Section 4.4.

of the top of form. See Section 4.7.

FEED

CANCEL

4-2 Rev A Lights

4.3 Normal Mode - Button Functions

In ‘Normal’ mode, the printer’s buttons control normal operatio ns su ch as p ause, feed, and ca ncel, as well as the test and reset functions by using button combinations as detailed below.

Button Combinations (push buttons simultaneously)

PAUSE PAUSE CANCEL

FEED

Normal Mode - Button Functions 4-3 Rev A

FEED

CANCEL

Prints the Test Label, see Section 4.8.2.

Performs a warm reset and returns to the Normal Mode of operation.

Produces Database Configuration and Test Labels, see Section 4.8.1

4.4 Express Setup Mode - Button Functions

The Express Setup is a unique printer feature that allows users quick access to the most commonly used printer settings. The selected setting is represented by a specific combination of the printer’s indicator lights for each of the three items, (Sensor Type, Media Type, and Option Control). To enter the Express Setup:

• Press and hold the & buttons and turn the printer ON.

• Continue to hold the buttons, release when all lights flash, approx 17 seconds.

• Use the , , and buttons for setup.

PAUSE

FEED

CANCEL

Turn the printer OFF to save settings.

4-4 Rev A Express Setup Mode - Button Functions

4.5 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions

In ‘Printer Setup’ mode, the buttons control the setting of the printer’s operational items such as media settings, communications, and options as detailed below.

Notes:

• Printer and cutter faults are disabled during

occur while printing “test” labels.

• If at any time you want to discard your changes and revert back to the previous values, simply turn off power to the printer.

• If you wish to restore Factory Defaults see Section 6.7.

To change Printer Setup:

but can still

Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions 4-5 Rev A

4.5.1 Printer Setup Menu List

The Printer Setup Menu List label, shown below, contains the printer’s current values for each menu item that can be modified via the front panel (see Section 4.5.2 for a detailed item description.)

The Menu Item Numbers correspond to the item’s position in the Menu List for selection when pressing the button during the Printer Setup Procedure (see Section 4.5). For example to “Direct Select” the BAUD RATE Menu Item press and hold the button for 7 flashes of the light and then release or for the TOF GAIN item hold

for 12 flashes, etc..

FEED

ERROR

FEED

Note: When using narrow media, the ‘Menu Items’ column may be truncated.

4-6 Rev A Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions

+ 150 hidden pages

Brady TAGUS T300 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

1.1 About this Printer