Eltron TLP2046, TLP2044 User Manual

TLP2046

User’s Manual

©1996 Eltron International Inc.

User’s Manual No. 980003-003

Rev. A

FOREWORD

This manual provides installation and operation information for the TLP2046/TLP2044 printers,
manufactured by Eltron International Incorporated, Simi Valley, California.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If for any reason you require product technical support, please contact the Distributor where you
purchased your equipment. If they cannot help you, or at their direction, Eltron Technical Support
can be reached at:

Eltron International Incorporated Eltron International, Europe

41 Moreland Road Unit 2, Rose Kiln Lane

Simi Valley, CA. 93065 Reading, Berkshire, RG2 OHP England

[phone] [phone]

FAX [phone] FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

BBS: [phone]

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

41 Moreland Road

Simi Valley, CA. 93065

[phone]

FAX [phone]

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document contains information proprietary to Eltron International Incorporated. This docu­ment and the informationcontained within is copyrighted 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 accurate with regard to any specification. Eltron reserves the right to make changes, for the
purpose of product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS

TLP2046/TLP2044 are service marks and Eltron is a trademark of Eltron International Incorpo­rated. Windows & MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

980003-003 Rev. A

iii

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
service, 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 printhead, under normal use and
service, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from
the date of purchase by the end user. Proof of purchase or product registration is required. If proof
of purchase or product registration cannot be established, shipment date to the original buyer
(dealer or distributor) will be 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. 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
expressed or implied. Eltron specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose.

FCC NOTICE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class A 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, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, thereis no guaranteethatinterference will notoccurin 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.

CSA NOTICE:

This equipment does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise emissions for digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Operation in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception
requiring the owner or operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference.

Cet equipment ne depasse pas les limites de Classe A d’emission de bruits radioelectriques pour
les appareils numerriques tells que perscrites par le Reglement sur le brouillage redioelectrique
etabli par le ministere des Communications du Canada. L’exploitation faite en milieu residentiel
peut entrainer le brouillage des receptions radio et tele, ce qui obligerait le proprietaire ou
l’operateur a pendre les dispositions necessaires pour en eliminer les causes.

iv

980003-003 Rev. A

Table Of Contents

Getting Started

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Unpacking Your TLP2046 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Check List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operation

Controls & Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Loading Labels or Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Transfer Ribbon Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Label Rewinding and Auto-Dispensing . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Label Variations and the Label Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

AutoSense Gap Sensor Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Cleaning The Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Replacing the Printer Memory Backup Battery . . . . . . . . 38

Appendix A - Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Appendix B - Supplies and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Appendix C - Windows Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

980003-003 Rev. A

v

vi

980003-003 Rev. A

Getting Started

1

Getting Started

This section provides information on the instal­lation of the TLP2046 printer and software.

Introduction

Features

The TLP2046 is a low cost, direct thermal and
thermal transfer printer specifically designed
for printing labels and tags, with or without bar
codes, from any DOS™, Windows™or ASCII
based compatible computer.

• High speed direct thermal and thermal trans-

fer printing for reliability.

• Supports over 20 types of bar code sym-

bologies.

• Download forms, fonts and graphics perma-

nently to printer memory or removable
memory cartridges.

• High resolution print head for sharp graphics

and text.

• Built-in label rewinder for batch processing

of labels.

980003-003 Rev.A

1

Getting Started

Unpacking Your

TLP2046

The printer is shipped in a carton and protec­tive bag. Keep all packing material in case you
need to move or re-ship the printer. Avoid
touching the electrical connectors to prevent
electrostatic discharge damage while setting up
the printer.

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accu­mulates on the surface of the human body or
other surfaces can damage or destroy the print
head or electronic components used in this
device.

Damage to the Memory Cartridge, configura­tion switch, or the printer interface connector
may result from placing the TLP2046 printer
on it’s backside during unpacking or handling.

Remove the tape used to secure the memory
cartridge to the back panel.

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Remove the

tape securing

the memory

cartridge

2

980003-003 Rev.A

Getting Started

Open the top (and right side) cover by lifting
the lip on the lower right side of the cover.

Lift To Open

Remove the tape securing the label rewind clip
to the label rewind tube.

980003-003 Rev.A

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

Remove Tape

3

Getting Started

Swing open the printer’s front door. The door
has a magnetic latch for easy access.

Remove the tape retaining the Front Door
Insert Cover while holding the Front Door.

4

Remove Tape

980003-003 Rev.A

Getting Started

Check List

Your TLP2046 kit contains the items listed
below.

• The TLP2046 printer.

• Memory cartridge (mounted on the printer).

TLP MEMORY CARTRIDGE 128K

E-PROM P/N: 105406-XXX

E-PROM VER: XX.X

CART. P/N 100202-001

980003-003 Rev.A

• Create-A-Label Tools software disk with on-

line documentation.

CREATE-A-LABEL

Tools

ELTRONINTERNATIONAL, INC.

• Printer User’s Guide & EPL2 Programming

Manual.

TLP2044 ThermalPrinter

Eltron

Inc

International

ProgrammingManual for

LP+and TLP Printerr

41Moreland Road

EltronInternational, Inc.

SimiValley,CA 93065

5

Getting Started

• Ribbon Rewind Core (mounted in printer).

Rewind Core

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

• Label Rewinder Bracket (mounted in

printer).

Rewinder

Bracket

• AC Power Cord

If any items are missing, contact your dealer for
replacement parts.

Label and tag supplies can be purchased di­rectly from ELTRON. Refer to Appendix B for
complete supplies ordering information.

6

980003-003 Rev.A

Getting Started

Installation

Step ➊

Attach Power

Figure 1-1

Locating the

Power Switch

The following sections will guide you through
the installation of the TLP2046 and Create-A­Label Tools software.

Place the printer in a suitable location that
allows easy access to all sides of the printer. The
printer should never be operated while resting
on it’s side or upside down.

ON

12345678

Figure 1-2

Power

Switch

Positions

Power Switch

0

I

ONOFF

Check that the printer’s AC power receptacle
switch is in the OFF (0) position.

The printer should never be operated in a
location where the operator and printer can get
wet. Personal injury could result.

980003-003 Rev.A

7

Getting Started

Electrical Outlet

Attach the AC power cord to the AC power
receptacle in the rear of the printer.

Figure 1-3

Printer:

Insert

AC Power

Cord

Attach the AC power cord to a grounded (three
prong) electrical outlet of the proper voltage.

Figure 1-4

Insert

AC Power

Cord

Step ➋

Memory Cartridge

Check

Verify the required voltage on the printer’s
model number label on the backside.

Insure that the power switch is in the OFF (0)
position, see Figures 1-1 and 1-2.

The memory cartridge can be damaged if
plugged in or unplugged while the printer
power is ON (1).

Remove the memory cartridge by pulling it
straight out from the rear of the printer. The
cartridge type may be verified by reading the
label on the cartridge.

8

980003-003 Rev.A

Figure 1-5

Removal and

Insertion of the

Memory Cartridge

Getting Started

ON

12345678

ON

12345678

Insert the memory cartridge into the cartridge
slot, label side towards the center of the printer.
Push the cartridge slowly and firmly, until it
stops, to engage.

Alternate memory cartridges are available that
can include a real-time clock (standard configu­ration without real-time clock), 384KB of mem­ory and 2 Dimensional bar codes.

Memory provides permanent storage for
downloaded forms (graphics and fonts). Some
versions of the memory card include a real­time clock for printing forms with time/date
information. The printer’s memory cartridge
can be easily upgraded. See Appendix B for
order information.

Before the additional memory can be ac­cessed, the printer memory must be reparti­tioned. Refer to the EPL2 Programming
manual for information on the M command.

980003-003 Rev.A

9

6

Getting Started

Step ➌

Attach Interface

Cable

Figure 1-6

Parallel

Connector

Figure 1-7

Serial

Connector

Parallel Interface

Attach a suitable parallel printer cable from the
computer to the Centronics interface connector
at the back of the printer. Snap the bale lock to
the Centronic’s connector to secure the inter­face cable to the printer.

78

ON

12345678

Serial Interface

Attach a suitable serial printer cable from the
computer to the DB-9 RS-232 Serial interface
connector at the back of the printer. For addi­tional information on serial cable wiring, refer
to Appendix A - Trouble Shooting.

7 8

10

980003-003 Rev.A

Getting Started

Step 4

Manual

Configuration

Settings

Figure 1-8

Locating the

Printer

Configuration

Switches

Configuration

Switches

The printer has a manual configuration switch
bank located on the back panel of the printer.

ON

12345678

980003-003 Rev.A

The switch controls the basic functional modes
required to correctly operate this printer. The
modes are as follows:

Direct Thermal - without transfer ribbon

Thermal Transfer - with transfer ribbon

Standard Feed - stops at front of the label

Auto-Dispense (Peel-Off) - stops at the back

of the label

See Appendix A for Printer Configuration
Switch settings.

11

Getting Started

Step 5

Applying Power

Step 6

Install Software

When the power switch is moved to the ON (1)
position, the POWER and ERROR Indicators
should alternately flash indicating that the
printer is out of paper. If the indicators fail to
flash and label stock is not loaded, then refer
to Appendix A - Trouble Shooting.

Start your computer. After DOS has loaded,
insert the Create-A-Label Tools diskette into
your floppy disk drive. From the DOS prompt,
enter B:INSTALL (or A:INSTALL if you placed
the diskette in drive A). Press the Enter key.

12

Follow the installation instructions on the
screen to install the software.

Refer to Section 2 - Operation, for information
on loading labels and using your TLP2046.

980003-003 Rev.A

Operation

2

Operation

This section provides information on the op­eration of the TLP2046 printer.

Controls &

Indicators

All the TLP2046 printer controls and indica­tors, except for the power switch and the printer
configuration dip switch, are on the front panel.
There are two (2) indicator lights and three (3)
control buttons on the front panel.

PO WER

PAUS E

Indicator

Lights

ER R O R

RI B B O N / PA P E R O U T

PAU SE

FE E D

Control

CA N C E L

980003-003 Rev. A

13

Operation

The POWER

SWITCH

The POWER

Indicator

The printer’s POWER SWITCH is located on
back panel of the printer. Placing this switch in
the ON (1) position will apply power to the
printer. Place this switch in the OFF(0) position
to remove power when you have finished using
your printer. See Figure 1-1 in Section 1.

The memory cartridge must be installed for the
printer to operate. The printer indicator lights
will be off if the memory cartridge is not in­stalled. See section 1, Step ➋ Memory Car­tridge Check.

The POWER indicator light is green when
power is on. The POWER indicator light will
flash on and off when the PAUSE is enabled.

POWER & PAUSE

Indicator Light

FEED Button

The PAUSE

Button

The printing process can be halted by pressing
the PAUSE button once. Press the PAUSE
button (again) to resume the print process.

P O W E R

PAU SE

PAU SE

PAUSE Button

FEED

14

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

The FEED

Button

The CANCEL

Button

ERROR

Indicator Light

The TLP2046 is equipped with a label FEED
button. The printer will feed a single label each
time the FEED button is depressed. This is
referred to as a Form Feed. If the FEED button
is pressed andheld, the printer will feed a single
label, stop, feed a single label, stop, and so on
until the FEED button is released.

The CANCEL button resets and terminates
any print operation in progress.

CANCEL

ERRO R

R I B B O N / P A P E R O U T

CANCEL Button

The ERROR

Indicator

POWER & ERROR

Indicators

980003-003 Rev. A

The ERROR indicator light is orangewhen the
printer detects a hardware error. See Appendix
A for trouble shooting tips.

POWER ERROR Condition Report

On Solid OFF Power On

Flashing OFF Pause
Flashing Flashing Ribbon or Labels Out

OFF On Solid Hardware Error

15

Operation

Loading Labels

or Tags

Your TLP2046 can print on continuous direct
thermal paper, direct thermal adhesive backed
labels or non-adhesive tags. Loading either
labels or tags are easy, (the feed direction of
tags is different).

Refer to Appendix B for a list of supplies avail­able from ELTRON.

DO NOT TOUCH the Printhead or the elec­tronic components under the Printhead As­sembly.

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accu­mulates on the surface of the human body or
other surfaces can damage or destroy the print­head or electronic components used in this
device.

16

Adhesive backed labels that DO NOT lay flat
on the backing liner may jam the printer. This
can cause the label to peel off the liner. The
exposed edges may stick to the label guides
and rollers inside the printer. Always use high
quality, Eltron approved labels. Supplies can
be ordered from ELTRON by calling 1(800)

344-4003.

If you should run out of labels 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.

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Label Loading

Step ➊

Figure 2-1

Opening the

Label Roll

Retainer Arm

Open the top (and right side) cover on the
printer. Slide the Roll Retainer Guide down to
the end of the Label Roll Support.

Roll Retainer Guide

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

980003-003 Rev. A

Label Roll

Support

17

Operation

Label Loading

Step ➋

Figure 2-2

Opening the

Printhead

Push Lever

Open the Printhead Assembly by pushing the
release lever to the right, towards the back of
the printer. The printhead assembly will pop
open. Releasing the lever allows it to snap back.

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

Release Lever

18

(100mm)

(50mm)

4"

2"

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Label Loading

Step ➌

Figure 2-3

Label Width

Adjustment Guide

Slide the Label Width Adjustment Tab to the
outside stop and rotate up.

2"

(50mm)

(100mm)

4"

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

Slide

1

2

TAB

980003-003 Rev. A

19

Operation

Label Loading

Step ➍

Figure 2-4

Loading the

Label Roll

Slide a roll of labels onto the Label Roll Guide
and onto Label Roll Support. Labels feed from
the top and towards the front of the printer.
Push the roll to the back of the support and
slide the Label Roll Guide against the label roll
to hold it in place.

Label Roll

Support & Guide

2"

(50mm)

4"

Label Stock

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

Label Roll

20

980003-003 Rev. A

E

Operation

Label Loading

Step ➎

Figure 2-5

Load The Labels

Label
Stock

Platen

Thread the label stock through the Label Sen­sor Assembly and then between the Platen
(drive roller) and the Printhead.

Printhead

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

Label Sensor

Assembly

980003-003 Rev. A

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

For easy label stock threading, slide half of label
into the side of the Label Sensor Assembly and
guide it through the label path.

Bypass Transfer Ribbon Loading
Steps for Direct Thermal Printing op­erations.

21

Operation

Label Loading

Step 6

Figure 2-6

Adjusting the

Guide Arm

Rotate the Label Width Adjustment Tab down
and slide it over until it is flush with the label
stock. Check the location of the Through Sen­sor, refer to Appendix A for adjustment infor­mation.

2"

0mm)

)

1

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

2

Tab

22

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Label Loading

Step 7

Figure 2-7

Closing the

Printhead

Close the printhead by pressing down on both
sides of the front of the printhead assembly.

Press
Here

Press

Here

980003-003 Rev. A

23

P

Operation

Label Loading

Step 8

Figure 2-8

Pressure

Control Knob

Adjust the label pressure control knob to match
the label stock in use.

Knob

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

Step 7

Label Width

Pressure Control

Knob Settings

2" or Less 2"

Greater Than 2" 4"

Press the Feed button once to verify that the
labels advance.

Verify that the Printer Configuration Switch,
position 8, is ON for Direct Thermal printing.
Press the CANCEL button to reset the printer.

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side)
cover if the rewind or thermal transfer options
are not needed.

The printer is now ready for standard
Direct Thermal Printing.

24

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Transfer Ribbon

Loading

Step 1

Figure 2-9

Installing

Transfer Ribbon

Ribbon

Take-up Tube

Slide the appropriate thermal transfer ribbon
roll onto the Ribbon Supply Tube.

2"

(100mm)

(50mm)

4"

Ribbon

Supply Tube

980003-003 Rev. A

Ribbon

Supply Tube

Transfer

Ribbon

25

Operation

Transfer Ribbon

Loading

Step 2

Figure 2-10

Ribbon

Loading Path

Open the printhead assembly. See Figure 2-2.

Thread the transfer ribbon between the Label
Sensor Assembly and the Printhead Bracket.
Continue threading the ribbon between the

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

Printhead

Transfer

Ribbon

Label

Sensor

R

O

T

O

M

R

Assembly

Platen (above the labels) and the Printhead.

For easy ribbon threading, slide half of ribbon
between the side of the Label Sensor Assembly
and Printhead Bracket. Guide it from the side
of printer through the ribbon path. See Figure
2-5 for a similar process used to load label
stock.

26

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Transfer Ribbon

Loading

Step 3

Figure 2-11

Attaching Ribbon

to Rewind Core

Wrap the transfer ribbon from the front of the
printhead assembly to the backside of the rib­bon take-up tube. Attach the ribbon to the
rewind core (fiberboard tube) on the ribbon
take-up tube with tape.

Tape

Rewind

Core

980003-003 Rev. A

Close the Printhead Assembly, see Figure 2-7.

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side)
cover if the rewind option is not needed.

Verify that the Printer Configuration Switch,
position 8, is OFF for Thermal Transfer print­ing. Press the CANCEL button to reset the
printer.

The printer is now ready for standard
Thermal Transfer Printing.

27

Operation

Label

Rewinding and

Auto-Dispensing

Preparing For

Rewinding

Step 1

Figure 2-12

The printer can be set up to automatically
rewind labels into a roll or in a label dispense
mode, single peeled label. Both configurations
require use of the printer’s label rewinder.

Remove the Front Door Insert Cover from the
Front Door of the printer. Slide the cover up to
unlock and then it pushed out to the front of
the door assembly. For Auto-Dispence mode,
flip the Label Taken Sensor down.

28

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Preparing For

Rewinding

Step 2

Figure 2-13

Remove the Rewinder Bracket from the inside
of the printer. Turn the thumb screw holding
the bracket to the printer chassis counter clock­wise to loosen.

Save this screw for mounting and storing the
bracket. The screw can be replaced with a
standard M3 (metric) screw.

This steps 2 & 3 are not needed for the
Label Auto-Dispense Mode.

980003-003 Rev. A

29

Operation

Preparing For

Rewinding

Step 3

Figure 2-14

Hook the two (2) stepped tabs onto the two (2)
notches on the top edge of the Platen Roller
Assembly’s front plate. Swing the bracket
down. Align the bracket’s tabs up with the
platen’s bracket reference holes and insert.

Notches

30

Lock the bracket into place with the thumb
screw.

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Preparing For

Rewinding

Step 4

Figure 2-15

Removing the

Rewind Clip

Remove the Label Rewind Clip from the Label
Tube.

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

980003-003 Rev. A

31

Operation

Liner/Labels

Rewind Mode

Step 1

Figure 2-16

Removing the

Rewind Clip

With the label stock already loaded (see Label
Loading Steps 1-7) and the front door open:

Thread the label stock, (liner only for the label
auto-dispense mode), around and below the
Platen Roller Assembly. Press the Feed button
with the printhead closed, as needed, to sup­ply more label stock ribbon.

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

Continue threading the label stock around the
Label Rewind Tube. Thread it below the tube
and then thread it around the back of the tube
to the top of the tube.

32

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Liner/Labels

Rewind Mode

Step 2

Figure 2-17

Removing the

Rewind Clip

If a label is on the end of the label stock ribbon,
remove it.

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

980003-003 Rev. A

Slide the Rewind Tube Clip over the label liner
end and onto the Rewind Tube.

Fold the label liner over the clip to the back of
the printer. This helps lock in the liner

Press the Feed button until the label ribbon
liner is taught.

33

Operation

Liner/Labels

Rewind Mode

Step 3

Figure 2-18

Rewind Modes

Liner/Label Path

Rewind
Bracket

For Label Auto-Dispense Mode, set the Printer
Configuration Switches for label dispense
(peel-off) mode. See Appendix A, Printer
Configuration Settings Switch Settings.

REWIND LABELS MODE

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

E

P

P

E

T

S

AUTO-DISPENSE MODE

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

R

O

T

O

M

R

Liner

Removed

E

P

P

E

T

S

Label

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side)
cover.

34

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Label Variations

and the

Label Sensor

Your TLP2046 is equipped with a sensor ca­pable of detecting the gap between labels while
they are being printed. This feature depends
on the ability of the sensor to “see through” the
label liner between labels.

Due to manufacturing differences in label
stock, the sensor may have difficulty distin­guishing the difference between the labels and
the liner. When this occurs, the printer ERROR
Indicator (AMBER/ORANGE) will switch on.
The printer may stop a label in the middle. If
this condition occurs, the AutoSense feature
should be activated to adjust the sensitivity of
the sensor. Also check to insure the that the
command line/programs defined label length
matches the label in use.

Windows Users!

Use the Windows Control Panel for Printers to
select the label size that matches the labels
loaded in the printer. See Appendix C.

980003-003 Rev. A

35

Operation

AutoSense

Gap Sensor

Adjustment

Load labels into the printer. Do not use the
auto-dispense/peeler mode for this procedure.
Press and hold the PAUSE and CANCEL con­trol buttons with the power on. Release the
CANCEL button first and then release the
PAUSE button.

The printer will start feeding labels automat­ically. The printer will automatically adjust the
gap sensor and measure the label length.

After the sensor has been adjusted, the printer
will enter DUMP mode and print the standard
information label.

Press the FEED button once to switch the
printer back to normal operation. If the Error
indicator light (continues) toglow AMBER/OR­ANGE, refer to Appendix Afor troubleshooting
information.

36

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Cleaning The

Print Head

Step ➊

Figure 2-19

Locating the

Printhead

As you use your TLP2046, the print head may
become dirty resulting in poor print quality.
Whenever new labels are loaded into the
printer, the print head should be cleaned with
a Cleaning Pen.

Cleaning Pens (P/N 800105-001) are available
directly from ELTRON. Supplies can be or­dered from ELTRON by calling 1(800) 344-

4003.

Open the printhead assembly and remove any
labels loaded in the printer, see Figure 2-2.
Hand rewind the labels back onto the roll.

980003-003 Rev. A

Step ➋

Figure 2-20

Printhead

Cleaning

Printhead

Gently rub the Cleaning Pen across the amber
area of the printhead.

Allow the print head to dry for 1 minute before
reloading the labels.

37

Operation

Replacing the

Printer Memory

Backup Battery

Battery

Replacement

Step 1

The TLP2046 contains memory for storage of
operating parameters, forms, graphics and soft
fonts in the Memory Cartridge. A battery in the
cartridge prevents memory loss if the printer
power is switched off or disconnected. When
the battery is exhausted, the printer will print
“BATTERY LOW”. If this happens, follow the
steps below to replace the battery.

Turn the printer on with the Memory Cartridge
installed, for minimum of 5 minutes. This is to
prevent data loss while replacing the battery.
Memory loss will occur if this process is not
completed in approximately 5 minutes.

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accu­mulates on the surface of the human body or
other surfaces can damage or destroy elec­tronic components used in this device.

Step 2

38

Turn off the printer and remove the memory
cartridge.

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Battery

Replacement

Step 3

Figure 2-21

Removing the

Memory Cartridge

Cover

Step 4

Remove the Memory Cartridge’s top cover
screw with a #1 Phillips screw driver. Slide the
casing top cover off. See Figures 2-21 and
2-22.

Cover Screw

Lift the battery retaining clip up and slide the
battery out.

Figure 2-22

Memory Cartridge

Components

BATTERY

BATTERY

RETAINING

CLIP

EPROM

TIME/DATE CHIP

TOP COVER

SRAMS

TOP COVER SCREW

980003-003 Rev. A

39

Operation

Battery

Replacement

Step 4

Replace the battery by lifting the battery retain­ing clip up and inserting the new battery in with
the printed side up.

Do Not dispose of the old battery in fire. The
battery may explode causing damage orinjury.

Dispose of the battery according to the manu­facturer’s instructions.

INSTALL BATTERY WITH PRINTED
SIDE UP!

Step 5

Step 6

Improper installation can damage the printer.

Slide the top cover casing back on. Lock the
cover shut with the top cover screw.

Re-insert the Memory Cartridge into the printer
and turn the power on.

40

980003-003 Rev. A

Operation

Windows: Setting

the Margins

When using Windows applications other than
Create-A-Label Professional, the following

margin setting guidelines should be followed:

• The top margin should always be set to 0.16"

(4mm) to allow for the unprintable region at
the top of each label.

• The right & left margin should always be set

to 0.04" (1mm) less than the actual label
width to allow for the unprintable region at
the side of each label.

980003-003 Rev. A

41

Operation

42

980003-003 Rev. A

Trouble Shooting

Appendix A

Trouble Shooting

This section addresses themost common issues
user’s may face with operation and configura­tion of the Eltron TLP2046 printer.

The first trouble shooting reference source is
the Common ProblemsTrouble Shooting table
on the following page.

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

• Internet:

Web Address: http://www.eltron.com/eltron
e-mail: [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]

To order printer supplies and accessories.
Eltron accepts Mastercard and Visa for
phone orders.

• Technical Support: [phone]

For your assistance and support with Eltron
printers and software.

980003-003 Rev. A

43

Trouble Shooting

Common Printing Problems

Trouble Shooting Guide

Problem Solution or Reason

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

With the POWER indicator light
GREEN, the printer appears to
be working, but nothing is
printed.

Printing is faded or poor
quality.

Printing stops and the
ERROR indicator lights
AMBER/ORANGE.

1. Check power connections from the printer
to the outlet.

2. Verify that the Memory Cartridge is
present and correctly plugged in.

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

2. Check that the roll is loaded with the
direct thermal side facing up.

3. Check that the transfer ribbon is
correctly routed and has the ink side out.

1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software or
with programming.

3. Verify that the Printer Control Switch,
position 8 is correct.

1. Possible problem with label gap sensor.
Perform AutoSense adjustment.

2. Possible problem with label stock. Gap
between the bottom of a label and the
top of the next label should be at least 1/16".
For tags, see Figure A-2. Use only Eltron
approved labels and tags.

3. Possible label jam.

4. Check that the transfer ribbon and label
stock are routed correctly.

5. Ensure that the printer configuration dip
switches match the method of printing.

6. Possible software problem. Check the
printer memory configuration. Refer to
the EPL2 Programming manual for the
correct data syntax.

Printer cuts (melts) through the
transfer ribbon. Theribbon is ad­vancing at the same rate as the
label stock.

44

1. Verify that the printing heat is setting to
it’s recommended level. See Printer Media
Temperature Settings, Appendix A.

980003-003 Rev. A

Problem Solution or Reason

1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or
missing labels in the middle of a roll.

GREEN and AMBER are

alternately flashing.

2. Check that the ribbon and label stock are
correctly routed.

3. Ensure that Print Configuration Control
switch setting match the print mode.

Trouble Shooting

Manual Printer

Configuration

Settings

Figure C-1

Print

Configuration

Chart

The printer has a manual configuration switch
bank located on the back panel of the printer.
See Figure 1-8 for location of the switches. The
Switch configuration changes are activated by
pressing the CANCEL button to reset the
printer.

Printer Configuration Switch Settings

Serial Port

Function/Switch Positions

1200 Bits/Sec.
2400 Bits/Sec.
9600 Bits/Sec.

19200 (19.2k) Bits/Sec.

Even Parity- On

Odd Parity - On

Parity Off

2 Stop-Bits

1 Stop-Bit

7 Bit Data
8 Bit Data

Auto-Dispense (Peel Mode)

Standard Label Feed

Direct Thermal

Thermal Transfer

Baud

1 2345678

Rate

Parity

Stop-Bit

Data LengthData Length

●

●

●●

●●

●

●

●

●

●

980003-003 Rev. A

Print Mode Control

Print Method

Label Dispense

● =SwitchOn

45

Trouble Shooting

Serial Interface

Cable Wiring

The figure below displays the cable wiring re­quired to use the printer’s serial interface.

DB-9
Pin #

N/C

RxD

TxD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

CTS

RI

Female DB-9 to Male DB-9

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

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

Female DB-25 to Male DB-9

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

46

980003-003 Rev. A

Trouble Shooting

Printer Tag

Sense Through

Hole Position

Figure C-2

Tag Position

Sensing Layout

The TLP 2046 printer uses a moveable sensor
to detect index holes/notches in tag stock. The
sensor position is indicated by the green arrow
at the front of the label guide that is visible with
the printhead open. The sensor can be moved
by squeezing the two locking tabs, located
under the label guide, and sliding the sensor in
or out. For proper sensing, ensure that the
sensor is aligned with the center portion of the
index hole/notch.

The following dimensions show the required
position of the Sense-Through (“Notch”) hole
on tag stock for the TLP2046 printer.

C

min. max.

B

Inside Edge

of Tag Stock

Dimension Min. Max. Nominal

A

Tag

Tear-away

.314 Nominal Sensor Location

A .236" None .512"
B .079" .512" .118"
C .098" .216" N/A

980003-003 Rev. A

47

Trouble Shooting

Printer Media

Temperature

Settings

Ribbon

Part No.

800010 Wax

800011

800005 Resin

Ribbon

Type

General
Purpose

Resin

Printer Features

and Options

This table describes the recommended ribbon,
media, and heat settings for the TLP2046
printer.

Heat

Setting

3
5

2
2

10
10

Media

Type

Paper 800622 / 800640

Paper
White Polyester
Silver Polyester

White Polyester
Silver Polyester

Media

Part No.

800622 / 800640
800822 / 800840
800922 / 800940

800822 / 800840
800922 / 800940

The TLP 2046 (and TLP2044) are part of
Eltron’s heavy duty line of industrial printers.
The TLP2046 has a 4 inch print width, 203 dpi
print resolution and up to 512KB user config­urable memory. It prints in both direct thermal
and thermal transfer mode. The TLP2046
prints up to 6 inches per second (with the
TLP2044 at up to 4 inches per second).

48

User Features:

• Performs self test and prints out it’s configu-

ration

• Automatic label sensor adjustment

• Easy to use command language

• Label inversion

• Auto label edge detection

• Auto increment and decrement for numeric

and bar code fields

• Line and box drawing features

980003-003 Rev. A

Trouble Shooting

• Repeat label feature

• 128Kb standard

Printing:

• Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing

• Selectable constant print speeds of 2, 4, or

6 (Model 2046 only) per second

• 203 dots per inch (8 dots/mm) print resolu-

tion

• IPHC (Intelligent Print Head Control) for

high quality printing in all orientations

• Maximum print width: 4.09 inch (104mm)

Print Modes:

• Three print modes are included as standard:

• Batch-printing one or more labels with the

labels left on the backing paper

• Rewind-printing a batch of labels and re-

winding them inside the printer

• Peel-off-labels dispensed with label backing

material removed and rewound inside the
printer. A Label Present Sensor stops the
printer from printing and dispensing the next
label until the first one is removed

Bar Codes

Standard (One Dimensional) Bar Codes:

• Code 39

• Code 93

• Code 128 UCC

• Code 128, Subsets A, B, and C.

980003-003 Rev. A

• Codabar

49

Trouble Shooting

• Interleaved 2 of 5

• UPC-A, UPC-E, 2 & 5 digit add-on

• UPC shipping container code

• EAN-13, EAN-8, 2 & 5 digit add-on

• POSTNET

• German POSTNET

Bar Codes

Two Dimensional Bar Codes (Optional):

• PDF417 (TLP \-2046/417 only)

• Maxicode

• Bar codes can be printed in four directions"

0 , 90, 180, and 270 degrees

• Bar code modules (“X” dimension): .005"

(.12mm) to .050" (1.27mm)

Standard Fonts:

• Five alpha-numeric fonts from .049 degrees

(1.25mm) to .23 degrees (6.0mm) high

• All fonts are expandable vertically and hori-

zontally up to 8x

• Fonts can be printed in four directions: 0 ,

90, 180 , and 270 degrees

• International character sets standard

• Any font or PCX graphic field can be down-

loaded from CREATE-A-LABEL

Media Sensing:

• “See-through” sensor for die-cut labels and

tags

50

• Reflective sensor for use with black stripe

marks

980003-003 Rev. A

Trouble Shooting

• Label backfeed for label dispensing modes

• Programmable top of form

Media Specifications

• Type: Roll-fed, die-cut, continuous or fan-

fold labels, tags or tickets

• Materials: plain paper thermal transfer or

thermal sensitive papers

• Maximum media width: 4.5" (114mm)

• Minimum media width: 1.12" (28.6mm)

• Maximum media length: 5.7" (145mm)

(with standard 128k memory cartridge)

• Minimum media length: 0.5" (12.7mm)

• Thickness (including liner): 0.0025" to

0.0100" (.0635mm to .254mm)

• Supply roll capacity: 8" (203mm) maximum

O.D. (outer diameter) and 3" (76.2mm)
minimum I.D. (inner diameter)

• Capacity of internal rewind" 0.5" (12.7mm)

• Fanfold stock can be fed through a slot in

the rear panel of printer

Ribbons:

• Standard widths: 1.3" 933mm), 2.5"

(64mm), 3.3" (84mm), 4.3" (109mm)

• Length: 14,270" (362mm) and lengths for a

1:2 ratio of labels vs. ribbons

• Other widths available on a custom order

basis

Mechanical:

• Width: 9.3" (236mm)

980003-003 Rev. A

• Depth: 15.75" (400mm)

51

Trouble Shooting

• Height: 12.2" (310mm)

• Weight: 35 lb.. (15.9kg)

Electrical:

• Power 110/220 VAC +10% single phase

60/50 Hz at 5 amps maximum

• Built to UL, CSA and TUV-GS safety stand-

ards and FCC Class A, VDE Class B emis­sions standards

Environmental:

• Operating Temperature: 40 degrees F to

105 degrees F (5 degrees C to 40 degrees
C)

• Storage Temperature: -4- degrees F to 158

degrees F (-40 degrees C to 70 degrees C)

• Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing

• Ventilation: free air

Options:

• RS-422 Interface

• Memory expansion modules up to 512K

• Time and Date Clock

• Media Length up to 22" (560mm)

• Code PDF417

• Create-A-Label III software

• Create-A-Label Professional for Windows

• Windows Printer Driver

• Used with Eltron’s KDU for a stand alone

printing solution

52

980003-003 Rev. A

Accessories

Appendix B

Supplies and

Accessories

Supplies and Accessories can be ordered from
ELTRON by calling: 1(800) 344-4003.
Eltron gladly accepts Mastercard and Visa.

Labels and thermal transfer ribbons for the
TLP2046 printer arelisted on asingle page flier
shipped with this printer and via Eltron’s Fax­back service at 1(805) 579-1809, catalog
document number 2303. Always refer to the
ELTRON part number when placing an order.

Accessories

Accessories available for the TLP2046 printer
are listed below. Always refer to the ELTRON
part number when placing an order.

Description Part Number

Parallel Interface Cable, 6’
Parallel Interface Cable, 10’
Serial Interface Cable, 6’

(DB-9 to DB-9)

Serial Interface Cable, 10’
Serial Interface Cable, 6’

(DB-25 to DB-9)

(DB-9 to DB-9)

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

Memory Cartridge (includes 2D barcodes)
384K Cartridge without Real-time Clock
384K Cartridge with Real-time Clock

Automatic Label & Tag Cutter
Label & Tag Stacker

(usedwithAutomaticCutteroption)

KDU (Keyboard Display Unit)
Windows Printer Driver

Create-A-Label TOOLS for DOS
Create-A-Label 3 for DOS

User’s Manual (this Manual)
Programmers Manual
Maintenance Manual

980003-003 Rev. A

(authorized service centers only)

105200-009
105200-010

103132-001
103153-001
120180-001

105501-003
105505-001
105506-001

980003-001
980009-001
980023-001

53

Accessories

Shipping

Inventory Tracking

Typical Applications

l

l

Shipping

Inventory Tracking

Product Labeling

l

l

l

Compliance Labeling

l

Features

Ribbon

Media (Stock)

54

Low cost

Ease of use

Low Environmental Durability

l

l

l

Not Used

Paper Label

Tag

Synthetic Label

when exposed to heat,

Limited Label Life

Will fade and/or discolor

l

l

sunlight, and chemicals.

Lowest cost thermal transfer

l

Wax

Paper Label

Direct Thermal

combination

Most commonly used

Low environmental durability

Low abrasion resistance

Longer life than direct thermal

l

l

l

l

Tag

Thermal Transfer

980003-003 Rev.A

are handled

Retail applications where labels

Typical Applications

l

Excellent for most applications

Compliance Labeling

l

l

Accessories

High temperature environments

Medical applications

Outdoor environments

Environments with chemicals

Compliance labeling

l

l

l

l

l

durability.

Better environmental

Features

Ribbon

Media (Stock)

l

General

Paper Label

980003-003 Rev. A

Better abrasion resistance

l

Purpose Resin

Tag

Synthetic Label

than wax

More expensive than wax

Good aesthetic appearance

l

l

High environmental durability

l

Hard Resin

Synthetic Label

High physical durability

l

appearance

Excellent aesthetic

l

combination

Most expensive label/tag

l

Thermal Transfer

55

Accessories

56

980003-003 Rev.A

Windows Printer Driver

Appendix C

Windows Printer

Driver

To install the Windows printer driver, use the
following steps. Start your computer and then
start Windows. Insert the Windows Driver disk­ette into your floppy disk drive. Double-click
the Control Panel icon in the Main program
group. Select the Printers icon, the Printers
dialog box is displayed.

Select the Add button, the printer list is dis­played. Under the Listof Printers, select “Install
Unlisted or Updated Printer”. When prompted
for the location of the driver, enter the drive
where the diskette is (i.e. A: or B:). Click OK.

Select the TLP2046 driver that represents your
printer. The printer driver is installed and ap­pears in the Installed Printers list in the Printers
dialog box.

Windows For Workgroup Users! If you receive
a warning stating: “The currently installed
UNIDRV.DLL is newer...”, select the default
“NO” button.

980003-003 Rev. A

57

Windows Printer Driver

Using The

Windows Driver

Paper (Label) Size

The standard Windows printer driver provides
control of several printer features when printing
from Create-A-Label Professional for Windows
and other Windows software applications.
These features are accessed through the “Print­ers” control panel in the Program Manager
“Main” group.

Before creating a label, the paper size for the
currently loaded labels must be selected in the
control panel.

58

Setting the proper label size allows the driver
to provide accurate printing limits and margin
information to other Windows applications in­cluding Create-A-Label Professional.

980003-003 Rev. A

Windows Printer Driver

Paper Quality,

Print Speed

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 largelabels 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.

Print Quality,

Print Density

To access this menu, select Options from the
printer setup control panel.

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.

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

To access this menu, select Options from the
printer setup control panel.

980003-003 Rev. A

59

Windows Printer Driver

60

980003-003 Rev. A

Windows Printer Driver

980003-003 Rev. A

61

41 Moreland Road

Simi Valley, CA 93065

[phone]

FAX [phone]