Epson Epic 880 User Manual
OEM Integration Manual
P/N 100-88002
Rev B, February 2009
Change History
Rev A Initial Release Jan 2009
Rev B Style and formatting update Feb 2009
Added USB Watch dog
Added several internal code pages.
Page ii 100-88002 Rev B
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency
Interference Statement
The
Epic 880TM
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These regulations are
designed to minimize radio frequency interference during installation; however, there
is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur during any particular
installation. Interference can be determined by turning the equipment off and on while
the radio or television is on. If the printer causes interference to radio or television
reception, try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient the radio or television receiving antenna
2. Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
3. Plug the printer and receiver into different circuits
If necessary, the user should consult their dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet
prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Ask for stock number 004-00000345-4.
Printer complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in
How to Identify and
. This booklet is available from the US
Canadian Department of Communications Radio
Interference Statement
The
Epic 880TM
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Printer does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class B
CE Mark
EN 60950-1
UL 60950-1
CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 60950-1
EN55022
EN55024
ROHS
100-88002 Rev B Page iii
Disclaimer
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT:
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of
TransAct Technologies, Inc. ("TransAct"). This document is the property of and
contains information that is both confidential and proprietary to TransAct. Recipient
shall not disclose any portion of this document to any third party.
TRANSACT DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES INCURRED,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR
DISCREPANCIES IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
TransAct cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment made by other
manufacturers, and referred to in this publication, do not affect the applicability of
information in this publication.
Copyright
© 2008, 2009 TransAct Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision Level B
February 2009
Printed in USA
Trademarks
Some of the product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
BANKjet, 50Plus, Insta-Load, Ithaca, “Made to Order. Built to Last”, Magnetec, PcOS,
POSjet, PowerPocket and TransAct are registered trademarks and Epic 880
Zone, Import, ithaColor, iTherm, KITCHENjet, Momentum, QDT and TicketBurst are
trademarks of TransAct Technologies, Inc.
TM
, Flex-
Page iv 100-88002 Rev B
Table of Contents
Change History ............................................................................................................. ii
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement ...... iii
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Statement .................. iii
Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................... iii
Disclaimer .................................................................................................................... iv
Copyright ..................................................................................................................... iv
Trademarks ................................................................................................................. iv
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................... v
Figures.......................................................................................................................... x
Tables ........................................................................................................................... x
Introducing your Epic 880TM Printer .............. 1
About your TransAct
Who Should Read This Guide? .................................................................................... 4
What Is Included in This Guide? ................................................................................... 4
Technical and Sales Support ........................................................................................ 5
On-line Technical Support ....................................................................................... 5
Telephone Technical Support .................................................................................. 5
Return Materials Authorization and Return Policies ................................................ 6
Service Programs .................................................................................................... 6
Sales Support .......................................................................................................... 6
Contact Information ................................................................................................. 7
®
Epic 880TM Printer ..................................................................... 3
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements . 9
Epic 880
Standard Features ...................................................................................................... 11
Optional Features ....................................................................................................... 12
General Specifications................................................................................................ 13
Printing Specifications ................................................................................................ 18
Paper Roll Specifications............................................................................................ 18
Auto Cutter Position .................................................................................................... 18
Paper Out ................................................................................................................... 18
Communications Interface .......................................................................................... 19
TM
Specifications and Requirements ............................................................. 11
Printer Dimensions ................................................................................................ 13
Weight .................................................................................................................... 13
Interface Type ........................................................................................................ 14
Printer Type ........................................................................................................... 14
Printer Environmental Conditions .......................................................................... 14
Reliability ............................................................................................................... 14
AC Power Requirements ....................................................................................... 15
DC Power Requirements ....................................................................................... 15
Power connector .................................................................................................... 17
Test Standards ...................................................................................................... 17
Accoustic Noise: .................................................................................................... 17
RS232 Serial Communications Interface ............................................................... 19
USB Interface ........................................................................................................ 20
Operational Procedures .............................. 23
Operational Procedures .............................................................................................. 25
How to Operate the Epic 880
Indicator Lights (LED) ................................................................................................. 25
100-88002 Rev B Page v
TM
Printer ....................................................................... 25
The FEED button ........................................................................................................ 25
The Diagnostics/Config button ................................................................................... 27
Using Self-Test ...................................................................................................... 28
Level 0 Diagnostics ................................................................................................ 30
Boot Loader Mode ................................................................................................. 30
Printer Status LED’s............................................................................................... 31
Auto Error Recovery .............................................................................................. 32
Loading Paper ............................................................................................................ 34
Cleaning the Print Head ............................................................................................. 34
Configuring Your Epic 880TM Printer ............ 37
Configuration Mode Overview .................................................................................... 39
Most Frequent Configuration Incompatibilities ....................................................... 39
How to Change Configuration Settings ...................................................................... 39
Entering into Configuration Mode .......................................................................... 39
Setting up for Color Paper .......................................................................................... 40
Custom Color ......................................................................................................... 40
Remote Configuration ................................................................................................. 40
Remote Boot Load ...................................................................................................... 40
Field Configuration Feature ........................................................................................ 41
Mounting Requirements .............................. 43
Mounting Requirements ............................................................................................. 45
Bezel Mounting Specifications ............................................................................... 46
Spindle Mounting Options .......................................................................................... 47
45˚ Up Spindle Mounting ....................................................................................... 47
Straight Back Spindle Mounting ............................................................................. 48
45˚Down Spindle Mounting .................................................................................... 48
Straight Down Center Spindle Mounting ................................................................ 49
Straight Down Rear Spindle Mounting ................................................................... 50
Control Panel Side Spindle Mounting .................................................................... 50
Retract Opening ......................................................................................................... 51
Printer Sensors ........................................... 53
Printer Sensors ........................................................................................................... 55
Paper Out Sensor .................................................................................................. 55
Cover-Open Switch ................................................................................................ 55
Top-of-Form Sensor .............................................................................................. 55
Paper Low Sensor ................................................................................................. 56
Anti-Jam Sensor .................................................................................................... 56
Transport Ticket Taken Sensor .............................................................................. 56
Transport Ticket Retract Sensor ............................................................................ 57
Electrical Connections ................................. 59
Communications Interface .......................................................................................... 61
Cable connection locations ......................................................................................... 62
Printer Block Diagram ................................................................................................. 63
Control Codes .............................................. 65
Control Codes Overview ............................................................................................. 67
Nomenclature ............................................................................................................. 67
Standard Emulation ............................................................................................... 68
IPCL Codes ........................................................................................................... 68
Other Emulations ................................................................................................... 68
Page vi 100-88002 Rev B
Application Development ............................................................................................ 68
TransAct Control Codes and Commands ................................................................... 68
PcOS Printer Control Codes .................................................................................. 68
Quick PcOS Reference Chart ................................................................................ 70
Low Level Paper Motion Control ............................................................................ 76
Horizontal Motion Control ...................................................................................... 77
Vertical Motion Control .......................................................................................... 79
Feed to Black Dot .................................................................................................. 86
Character Pitch ...................................................................................................... 88
Character Font ....................................................................................................... 93
Character Sets and Code Pages ........................................................................... 94
Double-Byte and Multi-Byte Code Page Description Files ..................................... 96
Code Page Selection ............................................................................................. 96
Page Mode .......................................................................................................... 106
Graphic Mode ...................................................................................................... 115
Graphics Compression ........................................................................................ 120
Simple Raster Graphics ....................................................................................... 121
User Store (Graphic Save and Macros) ............................................................... 122
Legacy User Macros ............................................................................................ 129
Bar Codes ............................................................................................................ 131
Electronic Journal ................................................................................................ 141
Transport Control ................................................................................................. 152
Miscellaneous Control ......................................................................................... 154
Remote Power Control......................................................................................... 160
Documented Extended Control commands ......................................................... 161
Printer Status ....................................................................................................... 162
Inquire Commands .............................................................................................. 163
Double Level Loader ................................................................................................ 177
Entering Field Boot Load Mode. .......................................................................... 177
Epic 880TM Color Graphics ......................... 179
Printing Graphics ...................................................................................................... 181
Character Graphics .............................................................................................. 181
APA Graphics ...................................................................................................... 182
Epic 880
Bitmapped File Graphic Support .............................................................................. 189
Epic 880
TM
Universal Color Graphics ....................................................................... 183
Print File Graphics ............................................................................................... 184
Store Graphics in the printer: ............................................................................... 184
How universal color graphics is done .................................................................. 185
How to use IPCL commands in text strings ......................................................... 186
Cautions ............................................................................................................... 186
Universal Graphics Command Descriptions ........................................................ 187
TM
Coupon-Cut-Logo Feature ..................................................................... 190
Unicode and Fonts .................................... 191
Fonts ......................................................................................................................... 193
Character Generation .......................................................................................... 193
Internal Fonts ....................................................................................................... 196
Custom Fonts ...................................................................................................... 196
Stacked or Linked fonts ....................................................................................... 197
Font Storage ........................................................................................................ 197
Bitmap Fonts ........................................................................................................ 199
100-88002 Rev B Page vii
Unicode .................................................................................................................... 202
Unicode Encoding ................................................................................................ 202
File system and the POR.INI file .............................................................................. 204
Font Size and Spacing ............................................................................................. 210
Font Size and Spacing command interactions ..................................................... 211
Legacy Printer Features that Have Changed ........................................................... 217
User Defined Characters ..................................................................................... 217
Dynamic Code Page Definition ............................................................................ 217
File System ............................................... 219
File System Interface ................................................................................................ 221
File System Commands ....................................................................................... 221
Epic 880TM Extended Printer Control ......... 227
Remote Printer Reset ............................................................................................... 232
Reset in Serial Mode............................................................................................ 232
Miscellaneous Communication Features .................................................................. 233
Power-cycle Recovery ......................................................................................... 233
Off-line Control ..................................................................................................... 233
Remote Boot Load Mode ..................................................................................... 234
USB Recovery Watch Dog ................................................................................... 235
Recovery from Mechanical Errors ............................................................................ 237
Epic 880TM Programmers Notes ................. 239
General Notes .......................................................................................................... 241
What Drivers Are Needed ......................................................................................... 241
Definitions ............................................................................................................ 241
Do you want to use the standard USB printing device interface? ........................ 241
Do you want to use USB and simulate a communication port? ........................... 242
Are you using OPOS (UnifiedPOS/UPOS)? ........................................................ 242
Do you want to print from a Windows application? .............................................. 242
Windows Printer Driver ........................................................................................ 243
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................ 243
GDI ........................................................................................................................... 243
OPOS driver ........................................................................................................ 244
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................ 244
USB driver: .......................................................................................................... 245
POSPrinter Activex Control (POSPrinter OCX): .................................................. 246
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................ 246
Appendix A: Unicode Character Addresses 247
Appendix B: WGL4.0 Character Addresses 249
Appendix C: GB18030 Character Addresses
................................................................. 254
Appendix D: Typical Code Page Definition . 261
Appendix E: Internal Code Pages .............. 263
Appendix F: ASCII Code Table ................... 265
Appendix G: Ordering Supplies ................. 266
Index .......................................................... 267
Page viii 100-88002 Rev B
100-88002 Rev B Page ix
Figures
Figure 1. Epic 880
Figure 2. Epic 880
Figure 3. Temperature and Humidity Ranges. ............................................................ 14
Figure 4. Control panel with FEED and Diagnostics/CONFIG buttons and indicator
lights. ................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 5. Location of Diagnostics/Config Button. ....................................................... 27
Figure 6. Auto-feeding a Paper Roll. .......................................................................... 34
Figure 7. Startup message in Field Configuration mode. ........................................... 41
Figure 8. Sample pre-loaded configuration. ............................................................... 42
Figure 9. Epic 880
Figure 10. Bezel Mounting and Hardware Requirements ........................................... 46
Figure 11. 45˚ Up Spindle Location ............................................................................ 47
Figure 12. Straight Back Spindle Location ................................................................. 48
Figure 13. Angle Down Spindle Location ................................................................... 48
Figure 14. Straight Down Center Spindle Location ..................................................... 49
Figure 15. Straight Down Rear Spindle Location ........................................................ 50
Figure 16. Retract Opening. ....................................................................................... 51
Figure 17. Dimensions for Retract Opening. .............................................................. 52
Figure 18. Sensor Breakdown and Locations. ............................................................ 55
Figure 19. Transport Ticket Taken Sensor. ................................................................ 56
Figure 20. Transport Ticket Retract Sensor. ............................................................... 57
Figure 21. Communication PCB Location and Connector Info. .................................. 61
Figure 22 Power and RS232 Left hand Exit ............................................................... 62
Figure 23 Power and USB Left hand Exit ................................................................... 62
Figure 24 Page Mode Entry Orientations ................................................................. 106
Figure 25 Page mode set printable area .................................................................. 110
Figure 26 Default Page mode printed area ............................................................... 110
Figure 27 Defined Page mode printed area .............................................................. 111
Figure 28 Code 39 Full 128 Character Encoding ..................................................... 133
Figure 29 Expanded Function Coding ...................................................................... 134
Figure 30 Code 128 Encoding Values ...................................................................... 136
Figure 31 Example of Character Graphics ............................................................... 181
Figure 32 Windows Driver ........................................................................................ 243
Figure 33 OPOS (UPOS) Driver ............................................................................... 244
Figure 34 USB Driver ............................................................................................... 245
Figure 35 POSPrinter OCX ...................................................................................... 246
TM
Printer. ....................................................................................... 11
TM
Dimensions. .............................................................................. 13
TM
Mounting Locations ................................................................... 45
Tables
Table 1. Input Power Requirements ........................................................................... 16
Table 2 Serial Interface Pin-outs ................................................................................ 19
Table 3 Character Pitch .............................................................................................. 91
Table 4 Inter-character Spacing ................................................................................. 92
Table 5 Language Table ID’s ..................................................................................... 97
Table 6 Euro Character Substitution Matrix ................................................................ 98
Table 7 Paper Sensor Commands ........................................................................... 156
Table 8 Paper Sensor Commands ........................................................................... 157
Page x 100-88002 Rev B
Table 9. Possible Character Pitches ........................................................................ 195
Table 10 Requested CPI and Resulting CPI ............................................................ 196
Table 11 Character Pitch .......................................................................................... 217
100-88002 Rev B Page xi
Chapter 1
Introducing your Epic 880TM Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 1
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Page 2 100-88002 Rev B
Introducing Your Epic 880
About your TransAct® Epic 880TM Printer
The TransAct
for thermal receipt printing, specifically designed for the needs of gaming and
kiosk applications. It builds upon the architecture of TransAct’s proven thermal
printers, together with a host of features specifically designed to improve the
performance of your receipt printing applications, including:
• Integrated printer mechanism/main controller PCB architecture
• Paper roll bracket/spindle allowing paper roll to be mounted behind or
below printer mechanism
• High-speed (6 inches per second) thermal receipt printing
• Barcode printing capabilities.
• Up to six (6) inch (152 mm) diameter paper roll
• Long-life ticket cutter
• Standard variable length presenter capable of handling from 63.5 to 254
mm. (2.5 -10 inches) length tickets
• Stroke-based fonts capable of supporting Asian and Latin characters
• Standard ticket retract feature
• Standard illuminated bezel assembly (Translucent blue)
These features and more let you quickly and easily integrate reliable ticket
printing in your gaming and kiosk applications, while giving you the quality,
durability and uptime you have come to expect from TransAct
®
Epic 880TM printer represents the very latest technology for use
®
printers.
TM
Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 3
Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
Who Should Read This Guide?
This document provides information useful to original equipment
manufacturers (OEM) who will integrate the Epic 880
products.
What Is Included in This Guide?
This Integration Manual includes information on the mechanical, electrical and
command language requirements of the Epic 880
following information to support your integration efforts:
• Warranty and technical support information.
• Specifications and functionality description.
• Mounting requirements and mounting locations.
• Power and interface connections.
• Operational procedures.
• Programming information, including documentation of low-level and high-
level command interfaces, as well as sample scripts to guide your own
implementation efforts.
We want you to have a trouble-free implementation with your TransAct
printer. For any issues not covered in this guide, quality technical support is
available on-line at www.transact-tech.com
the following pages for more details about our support services.
TM
printer into their
TM
printer. It provides the
®
, or by telephone or fax – consult
Page 4 100-88002 Rev B
Introducing Your Epic 880
Technical and Sales Support
Your printer is backed by the resources of TransAct Technologies, a global
technology firm with dedicated technical support and sales assistance. Here is
how we can help you:
On-line Technical Support
Our web site at www.transact-tech.com is your on-line portal to obtaining
technical assistance with your TransAct
Support link to find support information for your printer. Our on-line support
site also includes a convenient e-mail assistance request form, where you can
submit support requests 24 hours a day, and receive a return contact from a
TransAct support technician during regular business hours.
Telephone Technical Support
Live telephone support is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
local time, excluding holidays. We can provide general information about
programming for your Epic 880
assistance in sending a printer for service. To obtain telephone support,
contact the number below for your region and ask for Technical Support.
United States: 1.877.7ITHACA (1.877.748.4222), Fax: 607.257.3911
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): 011-44-170-977-2500, Fax: 011-44170-977-2505
To help us serve you faster, please have the following information ready when
you call:
• The Model Number and Serial Number of the printer.
• A list of any other peripheral devices attached to the same port as the
printer.
• What application software, operating system, and network (if any) you are
using.
• What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.
• How you tried to solve the problem.
TM
printer, technical support, documentation, or
®
printer. Click on the Technical
TM
Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 5
Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
Return Materials Authorization and Return Policies
If a support technician determines that the printer should be serviced at a
TransAct facility, and you want to return the printer for repair, we will issue you
the Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number that is required before
returning the printer. Repairs are warranted for 90 days from the date of repair
or for the balance of the original warranty period, whichever is greater. Please
prepare the printer being returned for repair as follows:
• Pack the printer to be returned in the original packing material.
• Packing material may be purchased from TransAct's Ithaca Facility.
• Do not return any accessories unless asked to do so by a support
technician.
• Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box.
Service Programs
TransAct Technologies Incorporated has a full service organization to meet
your printer service and repair requirements. If your printer needs service,
please contact your service provider first. If any problems still persist, you can
directly contact the Technical Support department at the numbers listed above
for a return authorization. Customers outside the United States and United
Kingdom should contact your distributor for services. TransAct offers the
following service programs to meet your needs.
• Extended Warranty.
• Depot Repair.
• Maintenance Contract.
• Internet Support.
Sales Support
To order supplies, receive information about other Ithaca products, or obtain
information about your warranty, contact our Sales Department at the contact
telephone or fax numbers listed below. To receive information on International
distribution, visit our web site at www.transact-tech.com.
Page 6 100-88002 Rev B
Introducing Your Epic 880
Contact Information
TransAct Technologies Incorporated
Ithaca Facility
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
TransAct Technologies
World Gaming Headquarters
& Western Regional Repair Center
6700 Paradise Road
Suite D
Las Vegas, NV 89119 USA
Telephone 877.7ithaca or 607.257.8901
Main fax 607.257.8922
Sales fax 607.257.3868
Technical Support fax 607.257.3911
Web site www.transact-tech.com
Western United States: 877.822.8923, Fax: 702.254.7796
United Kingdom: 011-44-170-977-2500, Fax: 011-44-170-977-2505
TM
Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 7
Chapter 2
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
100-88002 Rev B Page 9
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Page 10 100-88002 Rev B
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
Figure 1. Epic 880TM Printer.
Standard Features
The following features are standard for Epic 880
• Integrated printer mechanism/main controller PCB architecture
• Variable length presenter, capable of handling from 63.5 to 254 mm. (2.5 -10
inches) length tickets
• Full-cut auto-cutter module as part of printer mechanism
• Minimum 150 mm (6.0”)/second print speed (monochrome black text)
• 203 dpi print resolution (8 dots/mm.)
• Special print scalable to 8x with reverse, underscore, italic, and bold print
• 44/57 characters per line for 80 mm paper width
• Face-up print orientation
• ASCII and Unicode character encoding
• Ladder and fence barcode printing supporting UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN13, EAN8,
Code39, ITF, CODABAR, Code93, Code 128, Code31, and Interleaved 2 of 5
• Serial RS232C and USB interfaces built into main controller PCB
• Selectable baud rates
TM
printers:
100-88002 Rev B Page 11
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
• Drivers for Windows XP and XPe
• 4 MB minimum flash memory and 8 MB RAM
• Ithaca command set emulation
• Power: 24 VDC
• Power Connector: 4 pin Molex
• Paper Out, Paper Cover-Open, Paper Low, Top-Of-Form, Jam Detection,
Transport Ticket Taken, Head Temperature, and Ticket Retract sensors
• Ticket retract feature
• Power and error LED(s)
• Paper feed button
• Easy paper loading
• Portrait or landscape printing under Windows
• Internal counters to track number of hours on, cuts completed, lines fed, and error
conditions
• Capable of handling a 152 mm. (6.0 inch) diameter, 82.5mm. wide paper roll
• Compliant with RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances)
• Bezel assembly with LEDs (translucent blue)
Optional Features
The following options are available:
• 80mm paper guide
• Lower paper guide
• Additional or custom fonts or character sets.
• Custom emulations (Epson, Custom)
• Universal power supply (100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz)
Page 12 100-88002 Rev B
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
)
(
)
General Specifications
4.70” (119.28mm)
Figure 2. Epic 880TM Dimensions.
Printer Dimensions
Max Dimensions
W D (w/out paper)
Dimensions in
inches
Dimensions in
millimeters
(fully assembled as single unit)
4.77 6.05 7.02 3.48
121.2 153.7 178.2 88.4
6.04” (153.62 mm
D (with paper guide
and w/out paper)
H
3.39”
86.13mm
Weight
Approximate weight 4 lb 1.8 Kg
100-88002 Rev B Page 13
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
Interface Type
Bi-directional serial RS-232 or USB
Printer Type
Fixed 80 mm linear thermal head.
Figure 3. Temperature and Humidity Ranges.
Printer Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature Range: 5º - 50ºC (41ºF - 122ºF)
Shipping/Storage Temperature Range: –10º - 50ºC (14ºF - 122ºF)
Operating Humidity Range: 10% - 90% non-condensing
Shipping/Storage Humidity Range: 10% - 90% non-condensing (excluding
paper)
Reliability
Printer Life: 10,000,000 print lines
Print Head Life: 100Km. min.
Cutter Life: 1,000,000 cuts (POS Grade)
750,000 cuts (Lottery grade)
Page 14 100-88002 Rev B
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
AC Power Requirements
90-264 VAC at 47-63 Hz.
DC Power Requirements
Thermal printers require high peak currents based on how many print elements are
being used and how often. High density printing requires much more current than low
density printing. High density printing in the horizontal axis will put extreme peak
loads on the power supply. These high peak currents can cause power supplies to
sag, roll back or even shut down. A power supply with an average rating sufficient to
meet the average printer requirements many not be sufficient to meet the peak
requirements. The power supply selection is critical to proper printer operation.
Typical power supplies are designed to provide a continuous well regulated voltage at
an average current that does not fluctuate too much and will typically have a wattage
rating based on that average current. A power supply suitable for the Epic 880
could have a wattage rating of 48 watts but unless it can provide peak currents of 8
amps (192 watts) and maintain 24VDC output, it will not function properly.
Some power supplies are designed to provide multiple voltages. These power
supplies typically provide a logic supply voltage that requires close regulation. The
other voltages are not as well regulated or have post regulation. In this case when
the 24 volt output is required to provide high peak currents, the circuitry within the
power supply must maintain the logic voltage and the 24 volt supply will sag. In some
cased the high peak load will actually shut down the complete supply.
Thermal printing has specific power requirements to develop the thermal paper. The
Epic 880
requirements if the voltage is low. The printer will adjust the print element burn time
and that will resulting in increased average current requirements. Input voltage
ranges from about 20 to 27 volts can be accommodated by the Epic 880
input voltage is outside the acceptable range, the printer will issue a fault and will not
function.
A suitable power supply for a thermal printer will provide a constant voltage over a
wide range of loads with a low average current requirement.
Consider the following when selecting or designing a power supply for the Epic 880.
1) It must be able to provide quick response to step loads
2) Current will range widely with peaks at least 4 times the average
3) Load requirements for the power supply are as shown in the table below.
4) Consider a dedicated power supply for the printer.
5) If the printer is expected to print dense graphics, increase the average and
6) Use power cables that are as short as possible and use adequate wire size based
7) Make sure the power supply uses a low ESR capacitor of at least 2200uF and
TM
printer monitors the incoming voltage and will increase its current
TM
continuous current requirements by at least 25%.
on the cable length. Typically AWG 18 is the minimum wire size provided the
length is less than 3 ft (1 m).
preferably larger in the output circuit.
TM
. If the
100-88002 Rev B Page 15
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
8) When the printer prepares to print, it will activate the print head power and charge
a bulk capacitor attached to the print head. This current spike can be up to 15
amps for up to 200uS depending on the charge state of the capacitor.
9) Make sure the power supply specification includes any bezel current
requirements.
10) Consider that the frame ground and the 24V return are connected together in the
printer.
11) Use connectors in the power interconnect that are rated for the maximum average
current.
Voltage
Under all line, load and
environmental
conditions
Load Current 0A min
Max. Ripple 240mv p-p
Over voltage Protection < 30V
Over current Protection Output equipped with auto restart short circuit protection
24VDC ±8.5%
1.87A continuous
3.5A continuous - 1 minute maximum.
8A peak load 23.38% duty cycle 2ms period .1A/us slew rate
200 ms maximum
NOTE: This load current does not include the optional Bezel
drive requirement.
< 7amps when t
Table 1. Input Power Requirements
short >10ms
Page 16 100-88002 Rev B
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
Power connector
Note: Power may be applied through the 14 pin connector. See the Communications
Interface section for more information.
Note: The 24V RTN and FRAME pins are connected inside the printer.
Test Standards
CE MARK (1998)
FCC CLASS B
EN 60950-1
IEC 60950 (1991) Second Edition with Amendments 1,2,3,4
ROHH/WEEE
Accoustic Noise:
58 dbA average (sound pressure level) while printing a rolling ASCII format.
Microphone positions are at 10 different positions spaced around the printer as
defined in ISO 779.
100-88002 Rev B Page 17
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements
Printing Specifications
Printing method: Thermal Sensitive Line Dot System
Vertical/Horizontal dot pitch: 0.125 mm.
Resolution: 8 dots per mm (203 DPI)
Line feed pitch: 3.2 mm. (.125 inches)
Print zone (typical) 80 mm (3.15 inches)
Print speed (monochrome): 6 inches per second
Number of print elements: 640 dots in-line
Paper Roll Specifications
Paper Type: One ply thermal paper
Paper Width: 79.5 +/- .05 mm (3.13 +/- .02 inches)
or 82.0 +/- 0.5 mm. (3.23 +/- .02 inches)
Paper Thickness 0.076 mm to 0.09 mm (.0022 to .0035 in.) thick
Roll Diameter: 152 mm (6.0 in.)
Roll Core Inside Diameter: .445 to .635 inches
Roll Core Outside Diameter: .730 to .860 inches
Paper Grades : POS and Lottery grades
Paper Usage Precautions:
Use only specified thermal paper. If other paper is used, print quality, head life, and
cutter life may deteriorate. Contact TransAct customer service for approved papers.
Auto Cutter Position
A full cut auto-cutter is a standard feature with all TransAct® Epic 880TM printers.
Cutter type Guillotine
Media width 82.5 mm. (3.25 inches)
Media thickness range 0.0022 to 0.0035 inch
Cut to line of print 0.38 inch
Cutter life 1,000,000 cuts (POS grade)
750,000 cuts (Lottery grade)
Cut time: Less than 750 milliseconds
Paper Out
A receipt paper out sensor is provided as a standard feature, which senses when
approximately .5 inches length of paper is left on the paper roll.
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