Epson TM-L500A Technical Reference Guide
Describes interfaces, connectors, and character code tables.
Describes how to control the printer and necessary information
when you develop applications.
Describes setup and installation of the product and peripherals.
Describes how to handle the product.
Describes features and general specifications for the product.
Technical Reference Guide
Product Overview
Setup
Application Development Information
Handling
Appendix
M00038102
Rev. B
Cautions
• No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
• The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for the latest
information.
• While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
• Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
• Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third
parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of:
accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this
product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating
and maintenance instructions.
• Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of
any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or
EPSON Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Trademarks
EPSON and ESC/POS are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation in Japan and other
countries/regions.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
ESC/POS® Command System
EPSON ESC/POS is a proprietary POS printer command system that includes patented or patentpending commands. ESC/POS is compatible with most EPSON POS printers and displays.
ESC/POS is designed to reduce the processing load on the host computer in POS environments. It
comprises a set of highly functional and efficient commands and also offers the flexibility to easily make
future upgrades.
2
For Safety
Key to Symbols
The symbols in this manual are identified by their level of importance, as defined below. Read
the following carefully before handling the product.
You must follow warnings carefully to avoid serious bodily injury.
WARNING
Provides information that must be observed to prevent damage to the equipment or loss of
data.
CAUTION
Possibility of sustaining physical injuries.
Possibility of causing physical damage.
Possibility of causing information loss.
Provides information that must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment or a
malfunction.
Provides important information and useful tips.
3
Warnings
WARNING
To avoid risk of electric shock, do not set up this product or handle cables during a
thunderstorm
Never insert or disconnect the power plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in severe shock.
Handle the power cable with care.
Improper handling may lead to fire or electric shock.
Do not modify or attempt to repair the cable.
Do not place any heavy object on top of the cable.
Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and pulling.
Do not place the cable near heating equipment.
Check that the plug is clean before plugging it in.
Be sure to push the plug all the way in.
Be sure to use the specified power source.
Connection to an improper power source may cause fire or shock.
Do not place multiple loads on the power outlet.
Overloading the outlet may lead to fire.
Shut down your equipment immediately if it produces smoke, a strange odor, or
unusual noise.
Continued use may lead to fire. Immediately unplug the equipment and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
Never attempt to repair this product yourself.
Improper repair work can be dangerous.
Never disassemble or modify this product.
Tampering with this product may result in injury or fire.
Do not allow foreign matter to fall into the equipment.
Penetration by foreign objects may lead to fire.
If water or other liquid spills into this equipment, do not continue to use it.
Continued use may lead to fire. Unplug the power cord immediately and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
If you open the DIP switch cover, be sure to close the cover and tighten the screw
after adjusting the DIP switch.
Using this product with the cover open may cause fire or electric shock.
Do not use aerosol sprayers containing flammable gas inside or around this
product.
Doing so may cause fire.
4
Cautions
Do not connect cables in ways other than those mentioned in this manual.
Different connections may cause equipment damage or fire.
CAUTION
Be sure to set this equipment on a firm, stable, horizontal surface.
The product may break or cause injury if it falls.
Do not use this product in locations subject to high humidity or dust levels.
Excessive humidity and dust may cause equipment damage or fire.
Do not place heavy objects on top of this product. Never stand or lean on this
product.
Equipment may fall or collapse, causing breakage and possible injury.
Take care not to injure your fingers on the manual cutter:
When you remove printed paper.
When you perform other operations, such as loading/replacing roll paper.
Do not open the roll paper cover without taking the necessary precautions, as this
can result in injury from the autocutter fixed blade.
To ensure safety, unplug this product before leaving it unused for an extended
period.
Restriction of Use
When this product is used for applications requiring high reliability/safety, s uch as
transportation devices related to aviation, rail, marine, automotive, etc.; disaster prevention
devices; various safety devices; or functional/precision devi
ces, you should use this product
only after giving consideration to including fail-safes and redundancies into your design to
maintain safety and total system reliability. B e c a use this product was not intended for use in
applications requiring extremely high reliability/safety, such as aerospace equipment, main
communication equipment, nuclear power control equipment, or medical equipment related to
direct medical care, etc., please make your own judgement on this product's suitability after a
full evalu
ation.
5
About this Manual
Aim of the Manual
This manual was created to provide information on development, design, and installation of
systems and development and design of printer applications for developers.
Manual Content
The manual is made up of the following sections:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Appendix
Product Overview
Setup
Application Development Information
Handling
Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors
Character Code Tables
6
Contents
■ For Safety...............................................................................................................................3
Key to Symbols ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cautions.................................................................................................................................................. 5
■ Restriction of Use ..................................................................................................................5
■ About this Manual ................................................................................................................6
Aim of the Manual................................................................................................................................. 6
Manual Content .................................................................................................................................... 6
Product Overview ........................................................................11
■ Features...............................................................................................................................11
■ Product Configurations ......................................................................................................12
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)................................................................................................................ 12
BP (Boarding Pass)-Tray ....................................................................................................................... 12
Corner R (Round) Detection .............................................................................................................. 12
Interfaces.............................................................................................................................................. 12
Colors .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Accessories........................................................................................................................................... 13
■ Part Names and Functions.................................................................................................14
Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Control Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Connectors........................................................................................................................................... 17
Offline .................................................................................................................................................... 17
■ Error Status...........................................................................................................................19
Printer Errors .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Unrecoverable Errors ........................................................................................................................... 20
Data Receive Error (Only with the Serial Interface Models) ........................................................... 21
■ Power-Saving Mode ...........................................................................................................22
Sleep 1 & Sleep 2 ................................................................................................................................. 22
Sleep 3 .................................................................................................................................................. 23
■ NV Memory (Non-Volatile Memory) ................................................................................24
Memory Switches................................................................................................................................. 24
Maintenance Counter ........................................................................................................................ 24
■ Product Specifications .......................................................................................................25
Printing Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 26
Paper Specifications............................................................................................................................ 27
Specified Original Paper Types .......................................................................................................... 29
Printable Area ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Printing and Cutting Positions............................................................................................................. 33
Black Marks........................................................................................................................................... 34
7
Corner R Detection (Only for Models with Corner R Detection) ....................................................34
Electrical Characteristics .....................................................................................................................35
Reliability ............................................................................................................................................... 37
Environmental Conditions ...................................................................................................................38
External Dimensions and Mass ............................................................................................................39
Power Supply Unit (PS-180) .................................................................................................................. 41
Setup .............................................................................................43
■ Flow of Setup....................................................................................................................... 43
■ Installing the Printer............................................................................................................ 43
Important Notes ...................................................................................................................................43
■ Changing the Paper Width................................................................................................ 44
Setting the Paper Width to 82.5 mm ..................................................................................................45
Setting the Paper Width to 79.5 mm ..................................................................................................46
Setting the Paper Width to 50.8 mm (Only for ESC/POS mode) .....................................................47
■ Setting the DIP Switches..................................................................................................... 48
Setting Procedure................................................................................................................................. 48
For Serial Interface................................................................................................................................ 50
For USB Interface................................................................................................................................... 51
For Ethernet Interface ..........................................................................................................................51
■ Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer................................................................. 52
For Serial Interface................................................................................................................................ 52
For USB Interface................................................................................................................................... 53
For Ethernet Interface ..........................................................................................................................54
■ Connecting the Power Supply Unit (PS-180).................................................................... 55
Connecting the Power Supply Unit .................................................................................................... 55
■ Setting the Memory Switches............................................................................................ 57
Functions ...............................................................................................................................................58
■ Setting Menu on the LCD................................................................................................... 64
Application Development Information ......................................65
■ How to Control the Printer.................................................................................................. 65
EPSON Advanced Printer Driver (APD)......................................................................................65
AEA Commands................................................................................................................................... 65
ESC/POS Commands ...........................................................................................................................66
■ Software and Manuals....................................................................................................... 67
How to Get Drivers, Manuals, and the Utility.....................................................................................67
Printer Driver ..........................................................................................................................................67
Utilities ....................................................................................................................................................67
8
■ Self-Test Mode.....................................................................................................................68
Starting the Self-Test............................................................................................................................. 68
Handling .......................................................................................69
■ Usage Precautions..............................................................................................................69
■ Installing and Replacing Paper.........................................................................................70
Installing Paper..................................................................................................................................... 70
Replacing Paper.................................................................................................................................. 71
■ Removing Jammed Paper.................................................................................................73
■ Cleaning the Printer............................................................................................................75
Cleaning the Printer Case .................................................................................................................. 75
Cleaning the Thermal Head ............................................................................................................... 75
■ Preparing for Transport .......................................................................................................77
Appendix......................................................................................79
■ Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors ..................................................................79
RS-232 Serial Interface......................................................................................................................... 79
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet Interface........................................................................................... 83
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Interface .................................................................................................... 85
■ Character Code Tables......................................................................................................86
Common to All Pages ......................................................................................................................... 86
Page 0 [PC437: USA, Standard Europe]............................................................................................87
Page 1 (Katakana) .............................................................................................................................. 88
Page 2 (PC850: Multilingual) .............................................................................................................. 89
Page 3 (PC860: Portuguese)............................................................................................................... 90
Page 4 (PC863: Canadian-French)................................................................................................... 91
Page 5 (PC865: Nordic) ...................................................................................................................... 92
Page 11 (PC851: Greek) ..................................................................................................................... 93
Page 12 (PC853: Turkish) ..................................................................................................................... 94
Page 13 (PC857: Turkish) ..................................................................................................................... 95
Page 14 (PC737: Greek) .........................................................................................................
Page 15 (ISO8859-7: Greek) ............................................................................................................... 97
Page 16 (WPC1252)............................................................................................................................. 98
Page 17 (PC866: Cyrillic #2)................................................................................................................ 99
Page 18 (PC852: Latin2).................................................................................................................... 100
Page 19 (PC858: Euro)....................................................................................................................... 101
Page 20 (KU42: Thai).......................................................................................................................... 102
Page 21 (TIS11: Thai) .......................................................................................................................... 103
Page 26 (TIS18: Thai) .......................................................................................................................... 104
Page 30 (TCVN-3: Vietnamese) ....................................................................................................... 105
Page 31 (TCVN-3: Vietnamese) ....................................................................................................... 106
Page 32 (PC720: Arabic) .................................................................................................................. 107
............ 96
9
Page 33 (WPC775: Baltic Rim) ..........................................................................................................108
Page 34 (PC855: Cyrillic) ...................................................................................................................109
Page 35 (PC861: Icelandic) ..............................................................................................................110
Page 36 (PC862: Hebrew).................................................................................................................111
Page 37 (PC864: Arabic)...................................................................................................................112
Page 38 (PC869: Greek)....................................................................................................................113
Page 39 (ISO8859-2: Latin2)...............................................................................................................114
Page 40 (ISO8859-15: Latin9).............................................................................................................115
Page 41 (PC1098: Farsi) ..................................................................................................................... 116
Page 42 (PC1118: Lithuanian)...................................................................................................
Page 43 (PC1119: Lithuanian)........................................................................................................... 118
Page 44 (PC1125: Ukrainian)............................................................................................................. 119
Page 45 (WPC1250: Latin 2)..............................................................................................................120
Page 46 (WPC1251: Cyrillic) ..............................................................................................................121
Page 47 (WPC1253: Greek)...............................................................................................................122
Page 48 (WPC1254: Turkish) ..............................................................................................................123
Page 49 (WPC1255: Hebrew)............................................................................................................124
Page 50 (WPC1256: Arabic)..............................................................................................................125
Page 51 (WPC1257: Baltic Rim) ........................................................................................................126
Page 52 (WPC1258: Vietnamese) ....................................................................................................127
Page 53 (KZ1048: Kazakhstan)...................................................................................................
Page 255 (User-Defined Page)..........................................................................................................129
International Character Sets .............................................................................................................130
........117
.......128
10
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Product Overview
This chapter describes features and specifications of the product.
Features
The TM-L500A is a high-speed compact printer suited for issuing boarding passes and baggage
tags.
The features are as follows:
Printing
•High speed printing: Max. 250 mm/s {9.84"/s}
•Selection of 3 paper widths — 54.0 mm {2.13"}, 79.5 mm {3.13"}, and 82.5 mm {3.24"}. 50.8 mm
{2.00"} is also available for the ESC/POS mode.
•Auto printing position adjustment
Handling
•Compact body for flexible installation locations
•High-speed autocutter
•Optional paper supply devices
•BP (Boarding Pass) tray is supplied as a factory option.
Software
•Command protocol based on the AEA2009 and ESC/POS Proprietary Command System
•Windows printer driver
•Bar code and two-dimensional symbol printing is possible.
1
•Maintenance counter
Environment
ENERGY STAR qualified.
11
Product Configurations
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
•Model with LCD
•Model without LCD
The ESC/POS mode is available for the models without LCD only.
BP (Boarding Pass)-Tray
•Model with BP-Tray
•Model without BP-Tray
Up to 20 autocut boarding passes can be stored in the BP tray.
Corner R (Round) Detection
•Model with the corner R detection
•Model without the corner R detection
The corner R detection is available only in the AEA mode.
The corner R detection sensor can detect corner R of only 82.5 mm wide paper.
Interfaces
•Serial (9 Pin D-Sub) UB + USB interface model
•Serial (25 Pin D-Sub) interface model
•Ethernet interface model
Colors
EDG (Epson Dark Gray)
12
Accessories
Included
•AC adapter (Model: PS-180)
•Cable hook
• User’s manual
Options
•Paper supply device (Model: SU-RPL500/RPL500B)
Chapter 1 Product Overview
• USB/RS-232C D-sub9 interface board (Model: UB-U500)
• RS-232C D-sub25 interface board (Model: UB-S500)
•Ethernet interface board (Model: UB-E500)
These optional interface boards are only for the TM-L500A. Never use them with other
Epson printers. Also, never use other interface boards with the TM-L500A.
1
13
Part Names and Functions
Model with LCD
Control panel
Manual cutter
Platen cover
Powe r switch
Cover open lever
LCD
Paper loading
cover
Model with BP tray
BP tray
Power Switch
Turns the printer on or off. The marks on the switch: ( : OFF/ : ON)
14
Before turning on the printer soon after turning it off, make sure the LEDs on the control
panel are off.
Before turning the printer off, it is recommended to send a power-off command to the
printer. If you use the power-off sequence, the latest maintenance counter values are
saved. (Maintenance counter values are usually saved every two minutes.)
For detailed information about ESC/POS commands, see the ESC/POS Application
Programming Guide.
Control Panel
For a model with LCD
For a model without LCD
Power LED (Green)
Chapter 1 Product Overview
1
•Lights when the power supply is on.
•Goes out when the power supply is turned off, or the printer is in the power-saving mode
(sleep 3).
On Line LED (Green)
•Lights when the printer is online.
•Goes out when the printer is offline (For details about offline, see "Offline" on page 17.) or in
the power-saving mode (sleep 3).
Error LED (Orange)
•Lights when the paper loading cover or the platen frame is open.
•Flashes when an error occurs. (For details about the flash codes, see "Error Status" on page 19.)
•Goes out during regular operation or the power-saving mode (sleep 3).
Paper LED (Orange)
•Lights when paper is out.
•Goes out when paper is loaded, or the printer is in the power-saving mode (sleep 3).
•Flashes in self-test printing standby state or autoloading standby state.
Unload () button
Holding down this button for 1 second or more feeds paper backward until the paper can be
removed from the back of the printer.
In the menu mode with a model with LCD, this button switches the menu items and options.
15
Feed () button (only for the model with LCD)
If you use the label paper or paper with black marks,
•This button feeds paper to the print start position except during a printer error or the power-
saving mode.
•This button ejects the paper when the status of the paper out sensor is paper not present and a
paper out error has not occurred.
If you use the continuous paper, thi
s button feeds paper continuously except during a printer
error or the power-saving mode.
In the menu mode, this button switches the menu items and options.
On/Off Line (Back) button (only for the model with LCD)
This button switches between online and offline.
In the menu mode, this button returns to an upper menu item, or exits the menu mode.
Menu (OK) button (only for the model with LCD)
This button enters the menu mode when the printer is offline.
In the menu mode, this button sets the displayed setting option.
For the setting items in the menu mode and setting procedures, see "Setting Menu on
the LCD" on page 64.
For information about the power-saving mode, see "Power-Saving Mode" on page 22.
Items displayed on the LCD (only for the model with LCD)
Printer status Printer sub status Line 1 of LCD Line 2 of LCD
Normal condition Online (Device mode) (User ID): On Line
Offline (Device mode) (User ID): Off Line
Online Prt Ready (User ID): On Line
During printer error Online (Device mode) (User ID): On Line
Error (Displays causes of printer
errors.)
During
unrecoverable error
In menu mode First layer [Setting menu] (Menu name)
Offline Unrecoverable error (Displays causes of
unrecoverable errors.)
Second layer [(Menu name)] (Options)
During a printer error, the causes of the error are displayed in turn every other 2 seconds.
16
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Power supply connector
Serial (9-Pin D-Sub)
USB
Ethernet
Interface connectors
Serial
(25-Pin D-Sub)
Connectors
All cables are connected to the connector panel on the lower rear of the printer.
•Interface connector: Connects the printer with the host computer interface.
The interface type differs depending on the model. (See
"Interfaces" on page 12.)
1
•Power supply connector: Connects the power supply unit.
For details on how to connect the interface connector and the power supply connector, see
"Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer" on page 52 and "Connecting the Power
Supply Unit (PS-180)" on page 55.
Offline
The printer automatically goes offline under the following conditions:
ESC/POS mode
•Between the power is turned on (including the printer reset through the interface) and when
the printer is ready to receive data.
•During a self-test
•When the paper loading cover is open.
•When the platen frame is open.
•When the printer stops printing due to a paper-end.
•Whe
•When an error has occurred.
n the printer stops printing due to a paper jam.
17
AEA mode
•Between the power is turned on (including the printer reset through the interface) and when
the printer is ready to receive data.
•During a self-test.
•During offline with the On/Off Line button.
•When in menu mode.
•When an unrecoverable error has occurred.
18
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Approx.
320 ms
Approx. 3200 ms
Approx. 5120 ms
Error Status
When an error occurs, the printer stops operating, the Error LED or Paper LED lights or flashes,
and the buzzer beeps (only when the buzzer function is enabled). If the error is a fatal one, the
printer goes offline.
Printer Errors
Printing is no longer possible when printer errors occur. They c an be recovered easily, as
described below.
LCD
indication
High
temperature
Autocutter Autocutting failed. Open the platen frame,
Check paper No black mark/hole
Check paper Paper out sensor is in
Error description
The temperature of the
print head is extremely
high.
was found.
the status of paper not
present.
Error LED flash code
The Error LED goes out.
The Paper LED lights.
Recovery measure
Recovers automatically
when the print head
cools.
remove the foreign
object, and then load the
appropriate paper. Or
send an error recovery
command.
Remove the paper in the
paper path, and then
load the appropriate
paper.
Remove the paper in the
paper path, and then
load the appropriate
paper.
1
Cover opened Platen frame is open.
(including while
printing)
Cover opened Paper loading cover is
open.
The Error LED lights.
Remove the paper in the
paper path, close the
platen frame, and then
load the appropriate
paper.
Close the paper loading
cover.
19
LCD
Approx.
320 ms
Approx. 4800 ms
Approx.
320 ms
indication
Error description
Error LED flash code
Recovery measure
Paper JAM Paper jam sensor has
detected a paper jam.
When an Autocutter error occurs, do not turn the printer power off. If the printer power is
turned off, in case of autocutter error, the print starting position of the first sheet
immediately after the printer power is turned on is placed on the wrong position.
The models with the corner R detection do not detect a paper jam.
Remove the paper
wrapped around the
platen, and then load the
appropriate paper.
Unrecoverable Errors
Printing is no longer possible when fatal errors occur. The printer must be repaired.
Turn off the power immediately when a fatal error occurs.
CAUTION
Error LED flash code
LCD indication Error description
R/W error in memory After R/W checking, the printer does not
work correctly.
High voltage error The power supply voltage is extremely
high.
Low voltage error The power supply voltage is extremely low.
CPU execution error The CPU executes an incorrect address.
Internal circuit
connection error
The connection of internal circuit is not
correct.
20
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Data Receive Error (Only with the Serial Interface Models)
If any of the following errors occurs during serial interface communication, the printer prints “?”
or ignores the data.
•Parity error
•Framing error
•Overrun error
1
21
Power-Saving Mode
The TM-L500A has the power-saving mode function to reduce the power consumption.
There are 3 statuses, sleeps 1, 2, and 3 in the power-saving mode.
For the power consumption during standby in each sleep mode, see "Electrical
Characteristics" on page 35.
Sleep 1 & Sleep 2
Yo u can set the statuses, Sleeps 1 & 2 to any of the 3 patterns in the table below with the memory
switch.
• Sleep 1: The printer enters this mode 10 seconds after entering standby status.
• Sleep 2: The printer enters this mode 5 minutes after entering standby status.
In the default setting (Pattern 1) of
the model with LCD, if the printer does not operate for 10
seconds, the LEDs and the backlight of the LCD become dim, and for 5 minutes, the backlight of
the LCD is turned off. They come back on when the printer operates.
Patterns for
sleep 1 and sleep2
No power saving — Bright Bright (initial setting*
Pattern 1 (initial setting) Normal Bright Bright (initial setting*
Pattern 2 Normal Bright Bright (initial setting*
Pattern 3 Normal Bright Bright (initial setting*1)
*1: Selectable from Bright, Dim, and Off with the control panel or the memory switch.
*2: If the LCD brightness during the normal status is set to Off, the LCD does not become dim.
Status LEDs brightness
Sleep 1 Dim Dim*
Sleep 2 Dim Off
Sleep 1 Dim Dim*
Sleep 1 Bright Dim*
Sleep 2 Bright Dim*
LCD backlight brightness
(only for the model with LCD)
1
)
1
)
2
1
)
2
2
2
22
Standby status is a status when no processing is being performed for printing or
communication, and the cover is closed.
When printing data is received, it is printed immediately.
For details on how to set the memory switch, see "Setting the Memory Switches" on
page 57.
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Sleep 3
When Sleep 3 is enabled with the memory switch, the printer enters this mode 4 hours after
entering standby status.
During Sleep 3, the LEDs and the backlight of the LCD are off, and no operation is available.
The printer recovers to the normal status when you perform any of the following;
•Push one of the panel b
•Open the paper loading cover.
•Turn the printer power off, and turn it back on. (Turn the printer power on after 3 seconds or
more have passed.)
uttons.
1
23
NV Memory (Non-Volatile Memory)
The printer's NV memory stores data even after the printer power is turned off. NV memory
contains the following memory areas for the user:
•Memory switches
•Maintenance counter
As a guide when you program applications, NV memory should be rewritten 10 or fewer
times a day.
Memory Switches
With the memory switches, which are software switches for the printer, you can configure
various settings of the printer.
For information about the memory switches see "Setting the Memory Switches" on page 57.
Maintenance Counter
With this function, printer information, such as the number of lines printed, the number of MICR
readings, the number of autocuts, and printer operation time after the printer starts working, is
automatically stored in NV memory. You can read or reset the information with the TM-L500A
y, the Status API of the APD, or OPOS ADK to use it for periodical checks or part
Utilit
replacement.
24
Product Specifications
Printing method Thermal line printing
Dot density 203 dpi × 203 dpi
Printing direction Unidirectional with friction feed
Paper width 50.8 mm {2.00"} (only for ESC/POS mode),
54.0 mm {2.13"}(default), 79.5 mm {3.13"}, 82.5 mm {3.24"}
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Number of
characters
Character
structure
Cutting type Full cut
Interfaces Serial (RS-232), USB (2.0 Full-speed),
Receive buffer 4 KB
Bar code/
two-dimensional
symbol printing
ESC/POS mode Alphanumeric characters: 95
Extended graphics: 128 × 43 pages
International characters: 18 character sets
AEA mode Alphanumeric characters: 95
Extended graphics: 128 × 30 pages
International characters: 16 character sets
ESC/POS mode Font A: 12 × 24 (including horizontal 2-dot spacing)
Font B: 9 × 17 (including horizontal 2-dot spacing)
AEA mode PECTAB: 5 cpi, 10 cpi, 17 cpi
TEMPLATE: Arbitrary width (cpi)
Ethernet (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX)
ESC/POS mode Two-dimensional symbols (PDF417, QR code, MaxiCode,
GS1-DataBar)
Bar codes (UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN 13, EAN 8, Code 39,
Inter-leaved 2 of 5, CODABAR, Code 128, GS1-128,
GS1-DataBar)
CompositSymbology
1
AEA mode Two-dimensional symbols (PDF417, QR code, Aztec,
Data-matrix)
Bar codes (Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Code 39,
Code 128, EAN 13)
Power supply Epson PS-180 (Model: M159B)
Overall dimensions
(H × W × D)
Weight (mass) Approx. 2.8 kg {6.17 lb}
dpi: dots per inch cpi: characters per inch
Model without
LCD
Model with LCD Model w/o BP-Tray: 148 × 156 × 236 mm {5.83 × 6.14 × 9.29"}
Model w/o BP-Tray: 122 × 156 × 230 mm {4.80 × 6.14 × 9.06"}
Model with BP-Tray: 147 × 156 × 328 mm {5.79 × 6.14 × 12.91"}
Model with BP-Tray: 148 × 156 × 328 mm {5.83 × 6.14 × 12.91"}
25
Printing Specifications
Printing method Thermal line printing
Dot density 203 dpi × 203 dpi
Printing direction Unidirectional with friction feed
Paper width ESC/POS mode 50.8 mm {2.00"}, 54.0 mm {2.13"}(default), 79.5 mm {3.13"},
82.5 mm {3.24"}
AEA mode 54.0 mm {2.13"}(default), 79.5 mm {3.13"}, 82.5 mm {3.24"}
Printing width 50.8 mm printing
(only for ESC/POS mode)
54.0 mm printing ESC/POS mode: 51.0 mm (2.01"), 408 dots
79.5 mm printing 77.0 mm (3.03"), 616 dots
82.5 mm printing 80.0 mm (3.15"), 640 dots
48.0 mm {1.89"}, 384 dots
AEA mode: 50.8 mm (2.00"), 407 dots
Maximum printing speed
Text printing
(boarding pass)
Text printing
(baggage tag)
Bar code/2-dimensional symbol printing 126 mm/s {4.96"/s}
Note: The printing speeds listed above are the values when the printer prints with the standard print density
level at 24V and 25°C {77°F}.
Media type 1, 2, 3 (Roll or fanfold paper) 153 mm/s {6.02"/s}
Media type 4 (Roll paper diameter: 184.0 mm or less) 200 mm/s {7.87"/s}
Media type 4 (Roll paper diameter: 152.4 mm or less) 250 mm/s {9.84"/s}
Roll paper 200 mm/s {7.87"/s}
26
When changing the paper width, you need to remove or move the paper guides. To
change the paper width, see "Changing the Paper Width" on page 44.
Because some parts of the print head contact the platen and they may become worn out
in narrower paper width printing, once you use the printer in narrower paper width
printing, you cannot change it back to wider one.
Printing speed can be changed with the memory switch. (See "Setting the Memory
Switches" on page 57.)
Printing speed may be slower, depending on such items as the data transmission speed.
Paper Specifications
Paper must not be pasted to the roll paper spool.
If preprinted thermal paper is used, sticking (a problem of the thermal head sticking to
the surface of the thermal paper during printing) may occur, causing faulty printing and
other problems. Preprinting may also cause drop in the print density.
Boarding pass
Complies with IATA RESOLUTION722c, 722e
Type Thermal paper
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Form Fanfold paper, Roll paper
(The chromogenic side must face outside.)
Width 79.5 mm ± 0.5 mm {3.13" ± 0.02"}, 82.5 mm ± 0.5 mm {3.25" ± 0.02"}
Length 203.2 mm {8.00"}, 187.3 mm {7.37"}
Length detection Optical-sensing hole detection, Black mark detection
(Roll paper without holes or black marks is also supported.)
Corner round detection*
Thickness 75 to 200 µm
Roll paper diameter 184.2 mm {7.25"} maximum
Roll paper inside core 76.2 mm {3.00"}, 25.4 mm {1.00"}
*: Only for the models with the corner R detection.
Reflection rate of black marks must be 10% or less, and that of the areas without black
marks must be 75% or more.
Carefully design the print layout so that the print area is away from the perforated line.
The corner R detection sensor can detect corner R of only 82.5 mm wide paper.
1
27
Baggage tag
Complies with IATA RESOLUTION740
Type Thermal paper
Form Roll paper (The chromogenic side must face outside.)
Width 54.0 mm ± 0.5 mm {2.13" ± 0.02"}
Length 400 to 600 mm {15.75" to 23.62"}
Length detection Optical-sensing (hole detection/backing paper (liner) detection)
Thickness 220 µm or less (including backing paper)
Roll paper diameter 184.2 mm {7.25"} maximum
Roll paper inside core 76.2 mm {3.00"}
Take careful consideration in the print layout so that no printing is done on the backing
paper or outer edge.
Do not preprint (black marks or the equivalent print) in the joint between two backing
papers.
The transmission rate must be 57% or more for the backing paper, and 18% or less for
the backing paper + label paper.
The joint within a baggage tag must be 1 mm {0.039"} or less.
The hole size must be 1.6 to 6 mm {0.06 to 0.24"}.
The gap between labels must be 3.2 to 6 mm {0.13 to 0.24"}.
2" paper (only for ESC/POS mode)
Type Thermal paper
Form Fanfold paper, Roll paper (The chromogenic side must face outside.)
Width 50.8 mm ± 0.5 mm {2.00" ± 0.02"}
Length Fanfold paper: Minimum 40 mm {1.57"}
Roll paper: Minimum 30 mm {1.18"}
Length detection Optical-sensing hole detection, Black mark detection
Thickness 75 to 220 µm
Roll paper diameter 184.2 mm {7.25"} maximum
Roll paper inside core 76.2 mm {3.00"}, 25.4 mm {1.00"}
Carefully design the print layout so that the print area is within paper and away from the
outer edges and perforated lines.
The hole size must be 1.6 to 6 mm {0.063 to 0.24"}
28
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Specified Original Paper Types
For good print quality, s et the media type, print density, a nd print speed, depending on the
original paper number, as shown in the tables below. They can be changed with the memory
switch. For information about the memory switches see "Setting the Memory Switches" on page
57.
Boarding pass and 2" paper
Recommended
Print
Specified origi-
nal paper types
Resiste 400-7.0 Appleton Type 2 04 150 150 150
Resiste 400-5.3 Appleton Type 2 01 150 150 150
Resiste 800-5.3 Appleton Type 2 01 150 150 150
Resiste 800-4.5 Appleton Type 1 03 150 150 150
Resiste 500-7.6 Appleton Type 1 05 150 150 150
P354 Kanzaki Specialty Papers Type 1 01 150 150 150
ST-5 Kanzaki Specialty Papers Type 2 04 150 150 150
KT-300 Kanzaki Specialty Papers Type 2 01 150 150 150
TF1767 Mitsubisi HiTec Type 2 03 150 150 150
T1733 Mitsubisi HiTec Type 2 03 150 150 150
Manufacturer
Media
type
density
Print speed (mm/s)
Fanfold Roll paper
Diameter:
152.4 mm
or less
Diameter:
184.0 mm
or less
1
KL615 s B+ Kanzan Type 1 01 150 150 150
TF11KS-ET NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES Type 4 07 250 250 200
PD160R OJI PAPER MFG Type 4 07 250 250 200
29
Baggage tag and 2" paper
Recommended
Specified original
paper types
PolyTherm 300-3.0 Appleton Type 3 02 High 200
PolyTherm 300-4.1 Appleton Type 3 01 High 200
PolyTherm 500-4.1 Appleton Type 2 02 High 200
Resiste 190-3.2 Appleton Type 3 05 High 200
KPT 3370 Kanzaki Specialty Papers Type 2 04 High 200
KPT 33100 Kanzaki Specialty Papers Type 3 04 High 200
KLS46 Kanzan Type 3 01 High 200
AL60KT-S Jujo Thermal Oy Type 1 06 High 200
140LES RICOH Type 2 05 High 200
150LCS-B RICOH Type 2 05 High 200
Manufacturer Media type
Print
density
Print speed
AEA
ESC/POS
(mm/s)
30
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