Eltron LP2642, LP3642, TLP3642, TLP2642 User Manual

2642/3642 Series

Thermal Printers

User’s Manual

Models: LP2642 and TLP2642

LP3642 and TLP3642

User’s Manual No. 980101-001 Rev. A

FOREWORD

This manual provides installation and operation information for the LP2642, TLP2642, LP3642
and TLP3642 series printers, manufactured by Eltron International Incorporated, Simi Valley,
California.

RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION

Before returning any equipment to Eltron for in warranty or out of warranty repair, contact Repair
Administration for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the
original packing material and mark the RMA number clearly on the outside. Ship the equipment,
freight prepaid, to the address listed below:

Eltron Repair Administration, USA

41 Moreland Road

Simi Valley, CA. 93065

Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

Label Printers: Card Printers:

Eltron International, Northern Europe Eltron International, Southern Europe

Unit 2, Rose Kiln Lane Zone Indutrielle, Rue d'Amsterdam
Reading, Berkshire, RG2 OHP England 44370 Varades, France
Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document contains information proprietary to Eltron International Incorporated. This docu
ment and the information contained withiniscopyrighted by Eltron International Incorporated and
may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approval from Eltron. While
every effort has been made to keep the information contained within current and accurate as of the
date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is ac
curate with regard to any specification. Eltron reservestheright to make changes, for the purpose of
product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS

LP2642, TLP2642, LP3642 and TLP3642are service marks and Eltron is a trademark of Eltron In
ternational Incorporated. Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All
other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

980101-001 Rev. A iii

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

We Need To Hear From You!

To Establish Your Warranty Period And Provide Access To Technical Support,

Send Us Your Product Registration Card Today!

Eltron warrants the mechanism, control electronics and power supply, under normal use and serv
ice, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the
date of purchase by the end user. Eltron warrants the print head, under normal use and service, to
be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days or 30KM of print
ing (whichever occurs first) from the date of purchase by the end user. Proof of purchase or product
registration is required. If proofof purchase or product registration cannot be established, shipment
date to the original buyer (dealer or distributor) will be used to establish the warranty period.

Failure to exercise caution to protect the equipment from electrostatic discharge damage, adverse
temperature and humidity conditions or physical abuse may void the warranty. Failure to use only
Eltron approved media may void the warranty. Eltron will, at it’s option, repair or replace the
equipment or any parts which are determined to be defective within this warranty period, and
which are returned to Eltron F.O.B. factory of origin.

The warranty set forth above is exclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is ex
pressed or implied. Eltron specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fit­ness for a particular purpose.

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iv 980101-001 Rev. A

FCC NOTICE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pur
suant 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, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. How
ever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. 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 own expense.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:

This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class B requirements.

Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICS-003 classe B de la norm Industrielle Canadian

The printer and power supply should never be operated in a
location where either one can get wet. Personal injury could
result.

WARNING

Always use high quality Eltron approved labels, tags and
transfer ribbons. If adhesive backed labels are used that DO
NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick

CAUTION

to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the
label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Eltron
approved supplies can be ordered from your ELTRON dealer.
For the name of a dealer in your area, call 1(800) 344-4003.

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HINT

WARNING

980101-001 Rev. A v

If you should run out of labels or ribbon while printing, DO NOT
turn the power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may
result. The printer will automatically resume printing when a
new label roll is loaded.

There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace batteries with the types listed here only.
Discard used batteries according to the instructions supplied
by the battery manufacturer. Do Not dispose of the battery in
fire. The battery may explode causing damage or injury.

Installation

Installation ...........................3

Operation

Power Switch .........................11

The FEED Control .......................12

The POWER Indicator .....................13

Loading Labels or Tags ....................14

Top Of Form Sensing .....................18

AutoSense Gap Sensor Adjustment ..............19

Threading The Optional Label Dispenser ...........20

Cleaning The Print Head ...................21

Loading Transfer Ribbons ...................22

Removing A Partially Used Transfer Ribbon ..........28

Replacing the Printer Memory Backup Battery .........29

Appendix A

Troubleshooting ........................31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Appendix B

Accessories ..........................33

Appendix C

Using The Windows Printer Driver ...............35

980101-001 Rev. A vii

1

Installation

This section provides information on the
installation of the printer and software.

The LP2642 and LP3642 are low cost, desktop
direct thermal printers. The TLP2642 and
TLP3642 are low cost, desktop thermal
transfer and direct thermal printers. This family
of printers is specifically designed for printing
labels, tags or continuous receipts (with or
without bar codes) from any DOS™, Win­dows™or ASCII based compatible computer.

980101-001 Rev. A 1

Installation

Unpacking Your Printer

Printer

Power Supply

User's Manual,

Sample Roll, Spool

and Cleaning Pen.

2 980101-001 Rev. A

Software

Installation The following steps will guide you through the

installation of the printer and software.

Step ➊ - Attach Power Supply

OFF (0) Power

Installation

Check Voltage

WARNING

980101-001 Rev. A 3

See Warning on Page v.

Connect To Suitable Supply

Installation

Step ➋ Attach Interface Cable

Parallel Interface

Serial Interface

4

For additional information on serial cable wir
ing, refer to Appendix A.

980101-001 Rev. A

-

Step ➌ Memory Cartridge (Optional on 2642)

Remove Cover

Install Cartridge

Installation

Press To Seat

980101-001 Rev. A 5

Installation

Step ➍ Apply Power

ON (1)

6

ON

If the indicator fails to light, refer to
Appendix A - Trouble Shooting.

980101-001 Rev. A

Step ➍ Install Software

Installation

Start your computer. Follow the installation in­structions on the diskette label to install the
software.

Refer to Section 2 - Operation, for information
on loading labels and using your printer.

980101-001 Rev. A 7

2

Operation

This section provides information on the op­eration of the LP2642, TLP2642, LP3642 and
TLP3642 printers.

980101-001 Rev. A 9

Operation

Using Your Printer

A. Roll Holder

B. Feed Switch

C. Power Indicator

D. Print Head

E. Label Guide Adjust

F. Cover Release

LP

G. Carriage Release

H. Gap Sensor

I. Black Line Sensor

(optional)

J. Dispenser Bar

(optional)

K. Dispenser Feed Slot

L. Label Guides

M. Ribbon Drive

(TLP only)

TLP

10 980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Power Switch The printer’s power switch is located on the

right side of the printer near the back. Placing
this switch in the ON (1) position will apply
power to the printer.

ON(1)

980101-001 Rev. A 11

Operation

The FEED Control The FEED Control can be used in two ways,

tapping or holding. When power is first ap
plied with labels loaded, tapping the FEED
Control will cause the paper to advance to the
top of the next label. This action is referred to as
a Form Feed.

FEED Switch

When power is first applied without labels
loaded, holding the FEED Control will cause
the printer to continuously Line Feed until the
control is released. This mode is useful when
loading labels in the printer. After the labels
have been threaded through the printer, tap-
ping the FEED Control 3 more times (for a to­tal of 4 taps) will cause a Form Feed.

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12

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

The POWER

Indicator

POWER

Indicator

When the printer power is first switched ON (1)
with labels loaded, the POWER indicator will
glow GREEN, indicating that the printer is
ready for operation. If labels are not loaded,
the indicator will glow RED, indicating an out
of labels or ribbon condition.

Indicator

Color

GREEN

RED

ORANGE

Power ON, labels loaded, ready for use.

Power ON, out of labels or ribbon.

Error condition, refer to Appendix A.

Meaning

DARK

Power OFF.

If the POWER indicator should fail to light or
glows RED even when labels are loaded, refer
to Appendix A.

980101-001 Rev. A 13

Operation

Loading Labels

or Tags

Step ➊ Open the printer top cover and place the spin

Your printer can print on adhesive backed la
bels, non-adhesive tags or continuous non­adhesive paper. Loading either labels or tags is
easy, however the feed direction of each roll is
different.

dle inside the roll of labels or tags.

Labels

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14

Ta g s

See Caution on Page v.

CAUTION

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Step ➋ Open the Print Carriage. Insert the end of the

roll into the feed slot and through the Label
Guides.

980101-001 Rev. A 15

Operation

Step ➌ Turn the green wheel to adjust the Label

Guides to match the width of the roll.

Tu rn

16

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Step ➍ Close and lock the Print Carriage. Tap the

FEED Control until the POWER indicator
glows GREEN.

HINT

Perform the AutoSense gap sensor adjust­ment.

Windows Users! Use Settings / Printers on
the Windows 95 Start Menu to select the label
size that matches the labels loaded in the
printer.

980101-001 Rev. A 17

Operation

Top Of Form

Sensing

To accommodate different size media, your
printer is equipped with a sensor capable of de
tecting the top of each label or tag. Two meth
ods are used by the printer for top of form
sensing: Gap Sensing and Black Line Sensing.

The gap sensing feature depends on the ability
of the Gap Sensor to “see through” the label
liner between labels. Gap sensing is standard
on all printers.

An optional Black Line Sensor may also be in
stalled in your printer. The Black Line Sensor is
used with special labels that have a black line
printed on the back of the label liner between
each label.

For proper operation, the printer needs to
measure the length of the labels. Also, due to
manufacturing differences in label stock, the
Gap Sensor may have difficulty distinguishing
the difference between labels and the liner.
When this occurs, the printer Power Indicator
will switch from GREEN to ORANGE or RED.
If this condition occurs, the AutoSense
feature should be activated to adjust the
sensitivity of the sensor and measure the label
length.

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18

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

AutoSense Gap

Sensor

Adjustment

To activate the AutoSense feature, first place
the power switch in the OFF (0) position. Load
labels into the printer (do not use the
dispenser), then press and hold the FEED

Control while placing the power switch
in the ON (1) position. Release the FEED

Control when the printer starts feeding labels.
The printer will advance 3-4 labels while
performing the adjustment. When the
adjustment is complete, a status summary label
will be printed and the printer will be placed in
Diagnostic Dump mode. Tap the FEED
Control once to switch the printer back to
normal operation. If the indicator continues to
glow ORANGE or switches to RED, refer to
Appendix A for troubleshooting information.

Dump Mode

Sample Printout

980101-001 Rev. A 19

Operation

Threading The

Optional Label

Dispenser

Step ➊ Perform steps 1-4 of the Loading Labels proce

Step ➋ Peel the first two labels off the backing.
Step ➌ While pressing the FEED switch, push the label

If your printer is equipped with the optional Label
Dispenser (PSAT or PSET) and you would like
the printer to automatically peel adhesive labels
from the backing, follow the steps below:

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dure.

backing into the peeler slot.

Step ➍ Open the print carriage and pull the label backing

20

out the bottom slot until it is tight across the peeler
bar. Close and lock the print carriage.

Activate the Label Taken Sensor by pressing in
on the top of the sensor.

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Cleaning The

Print Head

Step ➊ Remove the transfer ribbon.
Step ➋ Gently rub the Cleaning Pen across the dark

As you use your printer, the print head may be
come dirty resulting in poor print quality.
Whenever new labels or transfer ribbon are
loaded into the printer, the print head should
be cleaned with a Cleaning Pen (p/n 800105-

001).

area of the print head.

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980101-001 Rev. A 21

Allow the print head to dry for 1 minute before
loading a transfer ribbon or labels.

Operation

Loading Transfer

Ribbons

(TLP Models Only)

Step ➊ Install an empty roll onto the front (take-up rib

Transfer ribbons are used when printing on
thermal transfer adhesive labels or non­adhesive tags. Thermal transfer ribbons are
available in general purpose wax, general pur
pose resin and polyester resin.

bon spool.

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CAUTION

See Caution on Page v.

22

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Step ➋ Loosen the tape that secures the leader on the

new transfer ribbon. Fold it over the end of the
leader and press in place. The tape will be used
to attach the leader to the take-up roll.

980101-001 Rev. A 23

Operation

Step ➌ Install the ribbon on the rear (supply) spindle

so that the ribbon feeds from the top of the roll
into the ribbon feed slot.

NOTE

The ribbon does not follow the same path as
the labels.

24

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Step ➍ Open the print carriage and pull the ribbon

leader forward towards the front of the print
carriage and attach to the take-up roll with ad
hesive tape.

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980101-001 Rev. A 25

Operation

Step ➎ Close the print carriage and press down firmly

at both arrows to lock.

26

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Step ➏ Tap the feed control until the ribbon advances

to the black area.

980101-001 Rev. A 27

Operation

Removing A

Partially Used

Transfer Ribbon

Step ➊ Open the print carriage. Using scissors, cut the

A partially used transfer ribbon can be re
moved by following the steps below. Partially
used transfer ribbons can be reloaded using the
normal ribbon loading procedure.

transfer ribbon just below the take-up roll.

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Step ➋ Remove the roll and tape the end to prevent it

Step ➌ Remove the take-up roll and remove the used

28

from unwrapping.

ribbon by unwinding into a trash can.

980101-001 Rev. A

Operation

Replacing the

Printer Memory

Backup Battery

CAUTION

Step ➊ With the printer power off, open the cover and

Step ➋ Remove the four (4) screws that secure the

The printer contains memory for storage of op
erating parameters, forms, graphics and soft
fonts. A battery prevents memory loss if the
printer power is switched off or disconnected.
When the battery is exhausted, the printer will
print “LOST INTERNAL INFO”. If this hap
pens, turn off the printer power and follow the
steps below to replace the battery.

ALL INFORMATION IN THE PRINTERS
MEMORY WILL BE LOST IF THE BATTERY
IS REMOVED.

remove any labels that may be loaded.

label cradle and lift off.

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Remove 4

Screws

Battery

Location

WARNING

See Warning on page v.

Step ➌ Remove and dispose of the battery according

to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step ➍ Install a fresh battery, replace the label cradle

and load labels. Switch the power on. If a
“LOST INTERNAL INFO" label prints, switch
the power off and back on.

980101-001 Rev. A 29

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Problem Solution or Reason

POWER indicator does not
light GREEN when power
switch is turned to ON (1)
position.

1. Check power connections from A.C.
Outlet to power supply to printer.

POWER indicator lights
GREEN, but printer will not
print.

Printer appears to be
working, but nothing is
printed.

Printing is faded or poor
quality.

Prints only partial label or
skips a label.

1. Check interface cable connections from
computer to printer.

1. Verify that the labels are the correct
type (direct thermal or thermal transfer).

2. For LP models, check that the roll is
loaded with the direct thermal side fac­ing up.

3. For TLP models, check that the ribbon
is properly installed.

4. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software.

1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor
adjustment.

2. Label caught on print head.

3. Print head is not properly latched.

4. Possible software problem. Check the
printer memory configuration. Refer to
the EPL Programming manual.

Printing stops and POWER
indicator lights ORANGE.

980101-001 Rev. A 31

1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor adjust

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ment.

2. Possible problem with label stock. Use
only Eltron approved labels and tags.

3. Possible label jam.

4. Insufficient memory for label size.
Check the printer memory configura

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tion.

5. Possible software problem. Refer to the
EPL Programming manual.

Other Support

Resources

The first troubleshooting reference source is
the table on the previous page. Next, contact
the dealer where you purchased your printer.

Eltron International also provides a variety of
information and user support services:

Internet:

•

Web Address: http://www.eltron.com
ftp: //ftp.eltron.com

e-mail:

Label Printers: [e-mail]
Card Printers: [e-mail]
Europe: [e-mail]
Singapore: [e-mail]
Latin America: [e-mail]

• BBS: [phone]

The BBS supports data rates up to 28.8 BPS
with No Parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit
(n,8,1). Communications software should
have an ANSI Terminal Mode (not MS Win­dows Terminal) such as Q-Modem.

• CompuServe e-mail: 102251,1164

•

Customer Service: [phone]
For the name of a dealer in your area.

•

Technical Support FAX:

USA: [phone]
Asia: [phone]
Northern Europe: [phone]
Southern Europe: [phone]
Latin America: [phone]
For your assistance and support with Eltron
printers and software.

32

980101-001 Rev. A

Appendix B
Accessories

Description Part Number

Accessories available for the LP2642,
TLP2642, LP3642 and TLP3642 printers are
listed below. Always refer to the ELTRON part
number when placing an order. For the name
of an Eltron dealer in your area, call:

1(800) 344-4003.

LP2642

LP3642

TLP2642

TLP3642

Parallel Interface Cable, 6’
Parallel Interface Cable, 10’
Serial Interface Cable, 6’ (DB-9 to DB-9)
Serial Interface Cable, 10’ (DB-9 to DB-9)
Serial Interface Cable, 6’ (DB-25 to DB-9)

128K Memory Cartridge with Real Time Clock
256K Memory Cartridge with Real Time Clock
384K Memory Cartridge with Real Time Clock

Black Line Sensor
128K Additional Memory
Real Time Clock Option
Battery, 3V Lithium

Power Rewinder, 120V
Power Rewinder, 220V
Create-A-Label 3 Software for DOS
Create-A-Label 3 Software for Windows
Battery Pack Kit
Keyboard Display Unit
TAB1 IBM Twinax Protocol Adapter Box

User’s Manual
Programmers Manual

300016-006
300016-010
300017-006
300017-010
300018-006

103217-005
103217-006
103217-007

105101-001
100278-001
802033-001
808042-001

103284-001
103284-002
105506-001
105524-001
120187-001
120180-001
100070-001

980101-001
980009-001

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980101-001 Rev. A 33

Serial Interface

Cable Wiring

The figure below displays the cable wiring re
quired to use the printer's serial interface.

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DB-9
Pin #

N/C

RxD

TxD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

CTS

RI

DB-9
Pin #

11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
99

PrinterHost

+5 Volts*

TxD

RxD

N/C

GND

RDY

N/C

RDY

N/C

Female DB-9 to Male DB-9

Cable P/N 300017-006 (6') or 300017-010 (10')

DB-25

Pin #

N/C

RxD

TxD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

CTS

RI

DB-9

Pin #

18
23
32
420
57
66
74
85
922

PrinterHost

+5 Volts*

TxD

RxD

N/C

GND

RDY

N/C

RDY

N/C

34

Female DB-25 to Male DB-9

Cable P/N 300018-006 (6')

*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)

980101-001 Rev. A

Appendix C

Using The

Windows Printer

Driver

The Windows printer driver provides control of
several printer features when printing from
Windows software applications. These features
are accessed through the “Settings / Printers”
window on the Windows 95 Start menu.

Paper (Label) Size Before creating a label, the paper size for the

currently loaded labels must be selected in the
control panel.

Media Choice

Print Speed

Setting the proper label size allows the driver to
provide accurate printing limits and margin in
formation to Windows applications.

The print speed can be adjusted to compensate
for manufacturing differences in label stock.
Selecting a slower print speed can improve the
appearance of lines and text on some label
stocks. When printing large labels or labels with
a lot of information near the right edge, a
slower print speed will avoid pauses while
printing caused by buffer under-run. To access
this menu, select the Paper tab from the printer
properties menu.

-

Print Quality,

Print Density

The print darkness or density can be changed
by using the Print Quality option. If print looks
faded when printing at high speed, select a
higher darkness number for the Print Quality
setting. If horizontal lines seem to run together,
select a lower darkness number.

HINT

To access this menu, select the Device Options
tab from the printer properties menu.

Print density is also affected by print speed.
Changing both Print Speed and Density may
be required to achieve the desired results.

36

980101-001 Rev. A

World Wide Offices:

Eltron International, Corporate Headquarters

41 Moreland Road
Simi Valley, CA 93065-1692 USA
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Eltron International, Northern Europe

Unit 2, Rose Kiln Lane
Reading, Berkshire, RG2 OHP England
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Eltron International, Southern Europe

Zone Indutrielle, Rue d'Amsterdam
44370 Varades, France
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail:[e-mail]

Eltron International, Latin America

836 Arlington Heights Rd. #357
Elk Grove, IL 60007
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Eltron International, Singapore

#07-01 Trademart Singapore
60 Martin Road
Singapore 239067
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]