EPSON TM-U950(P) Service Manual

technical manual

TM-U950/TM-U950P

EPSON

English

4005789

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, 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 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.

EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

ESC/POS is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

NOTICE: The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 1996 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.

EPSON

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION

Printed in Japan E96010130-0000SE

TM-U950/TM-U950P Technical Manual

FCC CLASS A

FCC Compliance Statement

For American Users

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate the FCC Verification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment.

You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Class A prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

GEREÄUSCHPEGEL

Gemäß der Dritten Verordrung zum Gerätesicherheitsgecsetz (Maschinenlärminformations- Verordnung-3. GSGV) ist der arbeitsplatzbezogene Geräusch-Emissionswert kleiner als 70 dB(A) (basierend auf ISO 7779).

Rev. A

i

Introduction

The TM-U950 printer is an ESC/POS™ compatible high-performance point of sale (POS) printer which can handle receipt, journal, and slip paper. There are two models: the TM-U950 and the TM-U950P. The TM-U950P has a parallel interface. Differences between the two models are noted throughout this manual.

The main features of the TM-U950 and TM-U950P printers are the following:

Usable with a wide range of slip paper types.

Non-protruding interface connectors integrated in the body of the printer.

Bidirectional logic seek for high throughput.

Paper feed pitch of 1/144 inch.

Integrated printer buffer with 32 byte or 2 KB capacity.

Slip paper eject sensor.

ASB (Automatic Status Back) function to send the printer status automatically.

EPSON intelligent module connection (Not available on the TM-U950P).

EPSON customer display series connection (Not available on the TM-U950P).

Optional Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader that enables the printer to perform consecutive reading and processing of MICR characters and printing endorsements (not available for the TM-U950P).

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TM-U950/TM-U950P Technical Manual

About This Manual

Chapter 1 provides general specifications and hardware configuration information.

Chapter 2 provides general operating principles and printer mechanism configuration information.

Chapter 3 provides handling and maintenance information.

Chapter 4 provides troubleshooting information.

Chapter 5 provides printer disassembly, assembly, and adjustment instructions.

Chapter 6 (Appendix) provides circuit board and exploded diagrams.

Notes and Cautions

Note:

Notes have important information and useful tips on the operation of your printer.

CAUTION:

Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.

Rev. A

iii

Revision Sheet

Revision

Page

Altered Item and Contents

Rev. A

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TM-U950/TM-U950P Technical Manual

Contents

Chapter 1 Features and General Specifications

Features ......................................................................................................................................................................................	1-1
General Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................................	1-3
Printing Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................	1-3
Character Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................	1-4
Paper Specifications .........................................................................................................................................................	1-5
Paper Roll Feed Mechanism ............................................................................................................................................	1-9
Journal Paper Take-up Mechanism ................................................................................................................................	1-9
Auto-cutter ........................................................................................................................................................................	1-9
Electrical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................	1-9
Stamp ..................................................................................................................................................................................	1-10
Ink Ribbon .........................................................................................................................................................................	1-10
Dimensions, Weight, Finish ............................................................................................................................................	1-11
Environmental Specifications .........................................................................................................................................	1-11
Reliability ...........................................................................................................................................................................	1-12
Hardware Configuration .........................................................................................................................................................	1-13
Main Unit Configuration .................................................................................................................................................	1-13
Main Unit Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................	1-14
Connectors .........................................................................................................................................................................	1-17
Interface ..............................................................................................................................................................................	1-19
Switches and Buttons .......................................................................................................................................................	1-27
Functions ....................................................................................................................................................................................	1-31
Error Processing ................................................................................................................................................................	1-31
Self-test ...............................................................................................................................................................................	1-32
Hexadecimal Dumping ....................................................................................................................................................	1-32
Printing Operation ............................................................................................................................................................	1-33
Options .......................................................................................................................................................................................	1-34
AC Adapter (PS-150) ........................................................................................................................................................	1-34
Journal Lock ......................................................................................................................................................................	1-34
Chapter 2 Mechanism Configuration and Operating Principles
Printer Mechanism Components ............................................................................................................................................	2-1
Printer Mechanism Operating Principles ..............................................................................................................................	2-2
Printing Assembly .............................................................................................................................................................	2-2
Sensor Assemblies .............................................................................................................................................................	2-4
Paper Feed Assembly .......................................................................................................................................................	2-9
Slip Paper Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................	2-12
MICR Reader Assembly (for printers with a MICR reader) (not available for the TM-U950P) ...........................	2-16
Ribbon Feed Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................	2-18
Stamp Assembly (for printers with a stamp assembly) ..............................................................................................	2-19
Auto-cutter Assembly ......................................................................................................................................................	2-20
Paper Roll Take-up Assembly ........................................................................................................................................	2-23
Electrical Circuitry Operating Principles ..............................................................................................................................	2-25
Hardware Configuration .................................................................................................................................................	2-25
Main Board Operating Principle ....................................................................................................................................	2-30
MICR Board Operating Principle (on printers with a MICR reader) (not available for the TM-U950P) ............	2-49

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v

Chapter 3 Handling and Maintenance

Handling .....................................................................................................................................................................................	3-1
Handling Precautions .......................................................................................................................................................	3-1
Loading the Paper Rolls ...................................................................................................................................................	3-2
Removing the Paper Rolls ................................................................................................................................................	3-4
Inserting Slip Paper and Printing on Slip Paper ...........................................................................................................	3-5
Printing on Personal Checks (only on printers with a MICR reader) (not available for the TM-U950P) ............	3-6
Installing and Removing the Ribbon Cassette ..............................................................................................................	3-8
Inserting the Stamp Set .....................................................................................................................................................	3-9
Mounting the Power Switch Cover ................................................................................................................................	3-10
Journal Lock Key Handling .............................................................................................................................................	3-10
Removing the Jammed Paper ..........................................................................................................................................	3-10
Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................................	3-13
Periodic Checks .................................................................................................................................................................	3-13
Cleaning ..............................................................................................................................................................................	3-13
Lubrication .........................................................................................................................................................................	3-14
Tool List ..............................................................................................................................................................................	3-17
Measuring Equipment List ..............................................................................................................................................	3-18
Lubricant List .....................................................................................................................................................................	3-18
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................................................	4-1
Self-test ................................................................................................................................................................................	4-1
Troubleshooting Flowchart ..............................................................................................................................................	4-4
Troubleshooting Tables ....................................................................................................................................................	4-12
Major Part Replacements .........................................................................................................................................................	4-23
Fuse replacement ...............................................................................................................................................................	4-23
Print Head Unit Replacement .........................................................................................................................................	4-23
Cutter Blade Replacement ................................................................................................................................................	4-23
Error Types And Countermeasures ........................................................................................................................................	4-24
Chapter 5 Disassembly, Assembly, and Adjustment
Small Part Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................................	5-1
Actual Size E-type Retaining Rings ................................................................................................................................	5-1
Disassembly ...............................................................................................................................................................................	5-2
Replacing the Print Head Unit ........................................................................................................................................	5-3
Replacing the Cutter Blade ..............................................................................................................................................	5-5
Printer Mechanism Unit Assembly .........................................................................................................................................	5-6
Sub-assembly A: Detector-Paper Assembly...................................................................................................................	5-7
Sub-assembly B: Paper Guide-Upper Unit Assembly .................................................................................................	5-8
Sub-assembly C: Paper Guide-Lower Unit Assembly..................................................................................................	5-10
Sub-assembly D: Cutter Motor Mount Plate Assembly ...............................................................................................	5-12
Sub-assembly E: Roller-Paper Hold Assembly..............................................................................................................	5-12
Sub-assembly F: Cutter Frame Assembly.......................................................................................................................	5-13
Sub-assembly G: Detector-Slip Ejection Assembly .......................................................................................................	5-13
Sub-assembly H: Auto-cutter Unit Assembly ...............................................................................................................	5-14
Sub-assembly I: Pulley Base-Carriage Transmission Assembly .................................................................................	5-17
Sub-assembly J: Carriage-Head Assembly ....................................................................................................................	5-17
Sub-assembly K: Assembling the MICR Head Holder Assembly (for printers with a MICR reader) .................	5-18
Sub-assembly L-(1): Frame-Carriage Unit Assembly (for printers without a MICR reader) .................................	5-22
Sub-assembly L-(2): Frame Carriage Unit Assembly (for printers with a MICR reader)........................................	5-27
Sub-assembly M: Frame-Inner Assembly.......................................................................................................................	5-35
Sub-assembly N: Detector-Slip Insertion Assembly .....................................................................................................	5-36
Sub-assembly O: Solenoid J/S Changeover Assembly.................................................................................................	5-36
Sub-assembly P: Paper Guide-Slip-Lower Assembly ...................................................................................................	5-37

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TM-U950/TM-U950P Technical Manual

Sub-assembly Q: Frame-Paper Take-up Assembly ......................................................................................................	5-38
Sub-assembly R: Assembling the motor-paper guide-J assembly (for printers with a MICR reader)..................	5-39
Main Assembly (Part 1) ...................................................................................................................................................	5-40
Adjustments ......................................................................................................................................................................	5-53
Main Assembly (Part 2) ...................................................................................................................................................	5-59
Whole Unit Assembly ..............................................................................................................................................................	5-65
Sub-assembly A: N.E. Detector-J Assembly and N.E. Detector-R Assembly ...........................................................	5-65
Sub-assembly B: Holder-Switch Circuit Board Assembly ..........................................................................................	5-67
Sub-assembly C: Journal Lock and Cover-Paper Take-up Assembly (Option) ......................................................	5-68
Sub-assembly D: Cover Paper Take-up .........................................................................................................................	5-69
Main Assembly .........................................................................................................................................................................	5-70
Main Assembly 1: Main Circuit Board, P-ROM, and Plate-Main Mounting ...........................................................	5-70
Main Assembly 2: FFC, Power Cable, and Plate-Circuit Board Attachment ...........................................................	5-71
Main Assembly 3: Printer Mechanism Assembly Attachment on Plate-Main ........................................................	5-72
Main Assembly 4: N.E. Detector-R and -J Assemblies Attachment ..........................................................................	5-73
Main Assembly 5: Printer Mechanism Assembly Attachment on Case-Lower Assembly ....................................	5-75
Main Assembly 6: Case-Upper Assembly Mounting ..................................................................................................	5-76
Main Assembly 7: Cover-Face and Cover-Main Assembly Attachment ..................................................................	5-77
Main Assembly 8: Cover-ROM Attachment .................................................................................................................	5-78
Adjustments ..............................................................................................................................................................................	5-79
Adjustment G: Adjusting the Paper Roll Near-end Detector Location ....................................................................	5-79
Adjustment H: Detector-Slip Insertion Assembly Threshold Value Adjustment....................................................	5-81
Adjustment I: MICR mechanism check..........................................................................................................................	5-83
Chapter 6 Appendix
Electrical Circuit Drawings ......................................................................................................................................................	6-1
Circuit 1..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-2
Circuit 2..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-3
Circuit 3..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-4
Circuit 4..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-5
Circuit 5..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-6
Circuit 6..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-7
Circuit 7..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-7
Circuit 8..............................................................................................................................................................................	6-8
Main Unit Circuit Drawing for TM-U950.....................................................................................................................	6-9
Main Unit Circuit Drawing for TM-U950P ..................................................................................................................	6-10
MICR Board (for printers with a MICR reader) (Not available for the TM-U950P) ..............................................	6-11
Parallel Interface Circuit Board Diagram .....................................................................................................................	6-12
Main Circuit Board Parts Layout for TM-U950 ...........................................................................................................	6-13
Main Circuit Board Parts Layout for TM-U950P.........................................................................................................	6-14
Parallel Interace Circuit Board Parts Layout................................................................................................................	6-15
Overall Exploded Diagrams ...........................................................................................................................................	6-16
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers Without a MICR Reader (1/3) ................................................................	6-26
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers Without a MICR Reader (2/3) ................................................................	6-27
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers Without a MICR Reader (3/3) ................................................................	6-28
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers With a MICR Reader (1/4) ......................................................................	6-29
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers With a MICR Reader (2/4) ......................................................................	6-30
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers With a MICR Reader (3/4) ......................................................................	6-31
Lubrication Points Diagram for Printers With a MICR Reader (4/4) ......................................................................	6-32

Rev. A

vii

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Chapter 1

Features and General Specifications

Features

The TM-U950 printer is an ESC/POS™ compatible high-performance point of sale (POS) printer which can handle receipt, journal, and slip paper. There are two models: the TM-U950 and the TM-U950P. The TM-U950P has a parallel interface. Differences between the two models are noted throughout this manual.

The main features of the TM-U950 and TM-U950P printers are the following:

Usable with a wide range of slip paper types.

Non-protruding interface connectors integrated in the body of the printer.

Bidirectional logic seek for high throughput.

Paper feed pitch of 1/144 inch.

Integrated printer buffer with 32 byte or 2 KB capacity.

Slip paper eject sensor.

ASB (Automatic Status Back) function to send the printer status automatically.

EPSON intelligent module connection (Not available on the TM-U950P).

EPSON customer display series connection (Not available on the TM-U950P).

Optional Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader that enables the printer to perform consecutive reading and processing of MICR characters and printing endorsements (not available for the TM-U950P).

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-1

Figure 1-1. TM-U950 Appearance

1-2 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

General Specifications

Printing Specifications

Operation principle

Serial impact dot-matrix printer

Print head wire layout

Serial 9-pin

Dot pitch

0.353 mm (1/72”)

Dot wire diameter

0.29 mm (.01”)

Figure 1-2. Dot Configuration

Print direction

Bidirectional logic seek

Print width (printable area)

Paper roll: 61.1 mm (2.41”)

Slip paper: 135.6 mm (5.34”)

Paper feed pitch

4.233 mm (1/6”) (default setting) adjustable (by commands) in 1/144-inch steps

Paper feed principle

Friction feed

Paper feed rate

Approx. 3.4 IPS (continuous paper); 60.3 ms per line (1/6-inch paper feed)

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-3

Printing format

See CPI in Table 1-2.

Character spacing

See Table 1-2.

Total dot count

70 mm paper roll (2.76”):	180 dots (360 positions) per line
Slip paper:	400 dots (800 positions) per line
Printing speed
See Table 1-2.

As shown in the table below, the TM-U950 has three printing modes, which differ in printing speed and head power time (impact).

Table 1-1. Printing Operation Mode

Operation mode	Printing speed	Head power time (impact)
Standard	High	Standard
Copy	Low	Copy
Low-speed	Low	Standard

Character Specifications

Character set

Alphanumeric:	95
International:	32
Extended graphics:	128 x 8 pages

Character matrix

(Alphanumeric, international, extended graphics) 7 x 9 (spacing: 2 half-dots)

0 x 9 (spacing: 3 half-dots)

Larger spacing can be set by using ESC SP.

Table 1-2. CPI, CPS, CPL, Character Size

	CG Mode			Characters Per Second
	(Horizontal	Character	Characters	(CPS) (Carriage moving		Characters Per Line (CPL)		Character Size
	dots x	Spacing	Per Inch	speed)
								Width x Height
	vertical	(half dots)	(CPI)
				High speed	Low speed	Paper roll	Slip paper
	dots)
	9 x 9	3 dots	12.5	233	200	30	66	1.6 mm x 3.1 mm
								(0.6” x .12”)
	7 x 9	2 dots	16.7	311	267	40	88	1.3 mm x 3.1 mm
								(0.5” x .12”)

1-4 Features and General Specifications

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TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Figure 1-3. Character Size

Paper Specifications

Paper type

Paper roll

Wood-free paper (single layer only)

Slip paper

Plain paper Carbon copy paper

Pressure-sensitive paper

Paper dimensions

Paper roll
Paper width:	69.5 + 0.5 mm (2.74 + 0.02”)
Maximum diameter:	83 mm (3.27”)
Paper thickness:	0.06 to 0.09 mm (.002 to .004”)
Paper weight:	52.3 to 64 g/m 2 (13.9 to 171 lbs)
	(45 to 55 kg/1000 sheets; 788 x 1091 mm)
	(20.41 to 24.94 lbs/1000 sheets; 31.02 x 42.95”)
Core diameter:	10 mm (0.39”) or more

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-5

Slip paper
Dimensions:	70 x 70 to 210 x 297 mm (W x H)
	(2.76 x 2.76 to 8.27 x 11.69”)
Thickness:	0.09 to 0.36 mm (.004 to .014”)

Temperature and copying capability

As copying capability is influenced by the ambient temperature, printing must be performed under the conditions described in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3. Relationship Between Ambient Temperature and Number of Copies

Number of Copies	Ambient Temperature
Original + 4 copies	approx. 20° to 40°C (68° to 104°F)
Original + 1 to 3 copies	5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F)

Paper thickness and copying capability

Plain paper (single sheet):	0.09 to 0.2 mm
	(.0035 to .0079”)

Carbon copy paper (original + 4 copies)

Backing paper	0.06 to 0.15 mm	(.002 to .006”)
Copy paper and original paper	0.04 to 0.07 mm	(.0016 to .003”)
Carbon paper	Approx. 0.035 mm (.001”)
Total thickness	0.30 mm (.012”) or less (1 to 1 + 3)

0.36mm (.014”) or less (1 + 4)

Pressure-sensitive paper (original + 4 copies)

Backing paper	0.06 to 0.15 mm (.002 to .006”)
Copy paper and original paper	0.06 to 0.075 mm (.002 to .003”)
Total thickness	0.24 mm (.009”) or less (1 to 1 + 3)
	0.30 mm (.012”) or less (1 + 4)

Note:

When using multi-ply paper that consists of an original and three copies, be sure to print with a 9 x 9 font. If a 7 x 9 font is used, some characters on some of the copies may not be readable.

Check paper (only when the printer is used with the MICR reader)

Paper type:	Normal paper
Total thickness:	0.09 to 0.2 mm (.0035 to .0079”)

1-6 Features and General Specifications

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	TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual
Size:	68 to 102 mm x 152 to 210 mm
	(2.68 to 4.02” x 2.98 to 8.27”)
Weight:	70 to 90 kg paper

Notes on setting the print operation mode

The GS E command sets print mode (printing speed and print head energizing time).

When the power is turned on, normal mode is selected as the default. The printer automatically switches from normal mode to copy mode when slip is selected by ESC c 0.

Notes on slip paper

The slip paper must be flat, without curls or wrinkles, especially at the top edges. Otherwise, the paper may rub against the ribbon and become dirty.

There must be no glue on the bottom edge of slip paper. It is desirable for the glue to be on the top edge. Choose slip paper carefully when the glue is on the right or left edge, since paper feeding and insertion are affected by gluing conditions (e.g., glue quality, method, and length) and glue location (see Figure 1-4). Be especially careful when slip paper is wide and has the glue on the right or left edge, since meandering may occur.

Since the slip insertion sensor uses a photo sensor, paper that has holes at the sensor position, or is translucent, must not be used (see Figure 1-5).

Since the slip ejection sensor uses a reflective photo sensor, paper that has holes or dark portions with low reflection (less than 40% reflection) at the sensor position must not be used (see Figure 1-6).

Be sure to perform slip printing with a paper roll loaded to avoid incorrect paper feeding due to paper jams.

Use thinner paper (N30 or equivalent) between the top and bottom sheets of multi-ply paper. If thick paper is used, the copy capability is lowered.

Notes on using personal check paper (for printers with an MICR reader)

The personal checks must be flat, without curls, folds, or wrinkles (especially at the edges). Otherwise, the check may rub against the ribbon and become ink-stained.

Figure 1-4. Slip Paper Glued Area

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-7

Figure 1-5. Slip Insertion Sensor Position

Figure 1-6. Paper Holes and Low Reflection Prohibited Area

Print area

Paper roll

Figure 1-7. Paper Roll Print Area

1-8 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Slip paper

Figure 1-8. Slip Paper Print Area

*Note

When the printer uses an MICR reader, this width is 5.0mm (0.20”).

Paper Roll Feed Mechanism

Feed principle

Drop-in loading

Paper roll near-end detection

Separate sensors for receipt paper and journal paper.

Journal Paper Take-up Mechanism

Automatic take-up by journal paper feed motor.

Auto-cutter

Auto-cutter is installed only on receipt side, for full and partial cuts.

Electrical Specifications

Printer operation voltage (using supplied AC adapter)

+24 V DC ± 10%

Ripple voltage: 300 mVpp or less (only when the printer is used with the MICR reader)

Current consumption

During printing

Average approx. 1.8 A

(R/J, α - N, 40-character printing) Peak approx. 8 A

During slip paper feed to printing position: Average approx. 0.3 A (for approx. 1.4s)

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-9

During standby Average approx. 0.3 A

Operating MICR reader

(when the printer used with the MICR reader) Mean - approximately 2.3 A

(Approximately 1.4 seconds)

Stamp

Stamp mechanism is available as a factory option for the receipt side.

Recommended stamp:	Fuji Copian CSP-2042C
Recommended ink:	Fuji Copian Super Ink
Print area:	42 x 20 mm (1.65 x 0.79”)
	(W x H)

Dimensions of stamp pad: See Figure 1-9.

Dimensions of stamp set: See Figure 1-10.

[Unit: mm]

Figure 1-9. Stamp Pad Dimensions	Figure 1-10. Stamp Set Dimensions

Ink Ribbon

Ribbon cassette

ERC-31 (P)

ERC-31 (B)

Color

Purple: ERC-31 (P)

Black: ERC-31 (B)

Ribbon life (18 dots per character)

Figure 1-11. Ribbon Cassette Dimensions

7,000,000 characters

1-10 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Dimensions, Weight, Finish

Dimensions

251 x 298 x 194.5 mm (9.88 x 11.73 x 7.66”) (W x D x H)

Weight

Approx. 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)

Color

EPSON Standard Gray

Environmental Specifications

Temperature

Operation:		5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F)
Storage:		-10° to +50°C (14° to 122°F) (except ribbon)
Humidity
Operation:		30 to 80% (non-condensing; limit above 30°C: 30°C, 80%)
Storage:		30 to 90% (non-condensing; except ribbon)
Vibration resistance (in standard EPSON packing)
Frequency:		5 to 55 Hz
Acceleration:		2 G
Sweep:		5 minutes (one way)
Time:		1 h
Directions:		X, Y, Z
No visible external or internal problems or operation failure after the above vibration test.
Shock resistance (in standard EPSON packing)
	With packing
	Drop height:	50 cm (19.69”)
	Angle:	1 angle, 3 surfaces, 6 sides
No visible external or internal problems or operation failure after the above drop test.
	Without packing
	Drop height:	5 cm (1.97”)
	Angle:	4 sides, one-point support

No damage when dropped while printer is off.

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-11

Noise

63 dB (operating, measured in ANSI bystander position; printing on receipt and journal paper roll)

Reliability

Mechanics

MCBF	5,000,000 lines (auto-cutter and stamp once every 15 lines)
Life expectancy	7,500,000 lines (The printer’s life is considered over when the
	printer cannot function due to worn-out main parts such as
	motor, solenoids, frames, and shafts.)
Life expectancy of print head	150,000,000 characters (average 2 dot/wire/1 character)

MICR reader mechanism (only when the printer is used with the MICR reader):

MCBF:	160,000 passes
Life:	240,000 passes
	1 pass: reading characters to printing endorsements on a
	U.S. personal check (152 mm (5.98”) long)
	The MICR reader is defined to have reached the end of its
	life when it cannot function properly because of wearing out
	of the main parts (magnetic head, head holding roller, etc).
Certifications
Japan:	EMI: VCCI Class 1
North America:	EMI: FCC Class 1
	Safety standards: UL1950-2TH-D3
	C-UL
Europe:	CE marking (printer with MICR reader under application)
	EN55022
	EN50082-1
	EN45501 (except when connected to IM)
	Safety standard: TÜV

1-12 Features and General Specifications

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TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Hardware Configuration

Main Unit Configuration

Printer mechanism

Figure 1-12. TM-U950 Printer Mechanism Main Unit Configuration

Electrical circuit and unit on cases

Figure 1-13. TM-U950 Electrical Circuit and Unit on Cases Main Unit Configuration

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-13

Main Unit Specifications

Paper feed motors

Receipt and journal paper feeding is performed by dedicated feed motors. Slip paper feeding is performed by using the journal paper feed motor and a journal/slip switching solenoid.

Motor type

4-phase, 48-pole PM type stepping motor

Drive voltage

24 V DC + 10% (including voltage drop caused by drive transistor)

Winding resistance

Journal paper feed motor	35 Ω ± 7% at 25°C (77°F), per phase
Receipt paper feed motor:	42 Ω ± 7% at 25°C (77°F), per phase
Current consumption (per motor)
Journal paper feed motor
Peak current:	1.94A in worst case
Average current:	615 mA at rated speed; 25°C (77°F), 24 V DC, 500 pps
	930 mA max. in worst case
Hold current	92.5+42.5 mA per phase at normal hold, 25°C (77°F)
Receipt paper feed motor
Peak current:	1.5 A in worst case
Average current:	510 mA at rated speed; 25°C (77°F), 24 V DC, 500 pps
	770 mA max. in worst case
Hold current:	Approx. 130 ± 50 mA per phase at normal hold, 25°C (77°F)

Drive frequency

500 pps (minimum pulse interval 2.00 ms)

Drive principle

Constant voltage drive, 2-2 phase induction

Carriage motor

Motor type

4-phase, 48-pole PM type stepping motor

1-14 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Drive voltage

24 V DC ± 10% (including voltage drop caused by drive transistor)

Winding resistance

9 Ω ± 7% at 25°C (77°F), per phase

Current consumption (per motor)

Peak current:	1.5 A in worst case
Average current:	550 mA at rated speed
Hold current:	150 mA± 8% per phase
Drive frequency
Standard mode:	1400 pps (pulse interval 714 μs)
Copy mode:	1200 pps (pulse interval 834 μs)

Drive principle

Constant-current chopper drive, 2-2 phase induction

Carriage feed pitch

0.3386 mm (1/75”) per pulse

Print head unit (print solenoids)

Number of solenoids:	9
Drive voltage:	24 V DC ± 10% (including voltage drop caused by drive
	transistor)
DC resistance:	6.65 Ω ± 4% at 25°C (77°F)

Near-end sensors (journal, receipt)

A sensor is provided for the receipt and journal paper roll respectively. The sensors check the diameter of each roll and activate the near-end alarm when the diameter falls below a userdetermined value.

Sensor type:	Microswitch
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Output level:	Low when near-end is detected

Paper roll sensors (journal, receipt) (*)

A sensor is provided in the paper path (receipt and journal side, respectively) of the printer mechanism. These sensors check for the presence of paper, and accordingly control loading of the paper roll.

Sensor type:	Microswitch
Switch rating:	10 to 100 mA, 5 V DC (resistive load)
Contact condition:	On when paper is present

(*)If the paper roll sensor detects the “no paper” condition while the cover is open, semiautomatic loading can be performed by inserting the paper roll into the paper path.

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-15

Slip paper insert sensor

This sensor is located in the slip paper loading path to detect the insertion of slip paper.

Sensor type:	Photosensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Input current:	Approx. 20 mA
Output level:	High when slip paper is detected

Slip paper eject sensor

This sensor is located in the slip paper eject path to detect ejection of slip paper. If ejection is not detected, the printer does not proceed to the next step.

Sensor type:	Photosensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%

Cover open sensor (*)

This sensor detects the condition of the printer cover. If the cover is open, the printer automatically goes off-line after the current printing operation and the carriage returns to the home position at slow speed. The printer goes back on-line when the cover is closed.

Sensor type:	Photosensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Input current:	10 mA
Output level:	High when cover open is detected

(*)If the paper roll sensor detects the “no paper” condition while the cover is open, semiautomatic loading can be performed by inserting the paper roll into the paper path.

Auto-cutter sensor

Sensor type:	Mechanical contact sensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Current rating:	0.1 to 0.5 mA

Home position sensor

This sensor detects the carriage initial position (on the receipt paper side) and the carriage abnormal operation.

Sensor type:	Photosensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Output level:	High when the carriage home position is detected

Carriage sensor

This sensor outputs signal synchronized with the carriage operation, and detects whether the carriage operation is abnormal.

Sensor type:	Photosensor
Voltage:	5 V DC ± 5%
Output level:	High when sensor plate is detected

1-16 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

MICR Reader (when the printer is used with the MICR reader) (Not available for the TM-U950P)

Available fonts:	E-13B, CMC7
Recognition rating:	98% or more (at 25°C)
Recognition rating is defined as follows:
	Total number of checks - (number of sheets misread
Recognition rating (%) =	and those not identified)		× 100

Total number of checks

Check paper used for test is EPSON standard check paper. Checks must be flat, without curls, folds, or wrinkles.

Connectors

All connectors are located on the rear panel of the printer. (Refer to Figure 1-1.)

Connector panels

	14		25			2
1	8		1	6
					3	1
	1		13
Customer display		Interface				Interface connector	Drawer kickout	Power connector
			Drawer kick-		Power		connector
(DM-D) connector		connector	out connector		connector

TM-U950

TM-U950P

Figure 1-14. Rear Panel Connectors

Interface

See the Interface section in this chapter.

Power supply connector

This connector is for the AC adapter.

Connector type:	TCS7960-53-2010 (Hoshiden) or equivalent
Table 1-4. Power Supply Pin Assignment
Pin number	Function
1	24 VDC
2	Signal ground
3	NC
Shell	Frame ground

Note:

Be sure to ground the printer via the frame ground terminal on the metal strip on the rear panel.

Rev. A Features and General Specifications 1-17

Drawer kick-out connector (modular connector)

Pulse specified by ESC p command is output to this connector. The host can confirm the status of the input signal by using the DLE EOT, ESC u, GR r, or GS a (ASB) commands.

Connector type:

Printer side		52065-6615 (Molex) or equivalent
User side		6-position 6-contact (RJ12 telephone jack)
Table 1-5. Drawer Kick-out Connector Pin Assignment
Pin number	Signal name		I/O
1	Frame ground		—
2	Drawer kick-out drive signal 1 (*1)		O
3	Drawer open/close signal (*2)		I
4	+ 24 V		—
5	Drawer kick-out drive signal 2 (*1)		O
6	Signal ground		—

(*1) Drawer kick-out drive signal

The signal specified by the ESC p command is output from pins 2 and 5 of the connector.

Output voltage:							Approx. 24 V
Output current:							1 A max.
Output waveform:							The waveform of the signal at pins 2 and 5 is shown in
							Figure 1-15. (The ON time n1 and OFF time n2 are
							determined by the ESC p command.)

n1 x 10ms n2 x 10ms

Figure 1-15. Drawer Kick-out Drive Signal Timing

(*2) Drawer open/close signal

The host computer can check the drawer open/close status with the DLE EOT, ESC u, GR r, or GS a (ASB) commands.

Input signal level (connector pin 3)

Low = 0 to 0.8 V

High = 2 to 5 V

1-18 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A

TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual

Notes

Use a shielded cable for the drawer connection.

It is not possible to drive two drawers at the same time.

Use a solenoid rated for at least 24 Ω as the drawer kick-out solenoid. Otherwise, excessive current may damage the solenoid.

The drawer must be powered from the printer (connector pin 4).

Do not drive the drawer continuously.

Customer display connector (not supported on the TM-U950P)

This connector is for Epson customer display (DM-D series). Do not connect other customer displays.

Connector type:			Receptacle 52065-8845 (Molex) or equivalent
Table 1-6. Customer Display Connector Pin Assignment
Pin number	Signal name	I/O
1	Frame ground	—
2	NC	—
3	TXD	O
4	DTR	O
5	DSR	I
6	Signal ground	—
7	+24V DC	—
8	Power ground	—

Interface

Serial interface

Data transfer principle	Serial (RS-232 interface)
Synchronization	Asynchronous
Handshake (*)	DTR/DSR or XON/XOFF
Signal level

MARK: -3 to -15 V (logical “1”/OFF) SPACE: +3 to +15 V (logical “0”/ON)

(Voltage measured at connector, referenced to SG)

Baud rate (*)	1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 bps
Word length (*)	7 or 8 bit

Rev. A

Features and General Specifications 1-19

Parity (*)	None, even, odd
Number of stop bits	1 or more
Connector type	D-SUB 25 female or equivalent

(*)Can be set with DIP switches on the bottom of the unit (See Tables 1-9 and 1-10.)

On-line/off-line switching

This printer has no on-line/off-line switch. It automatically goes off-line in the following cases:

During self-test.

When the cover is open.

When the paper feed button (receipt or journal/slip) is used to advance the paper.

When printing has stopped due to no paper (“no paper” condition selected with ESC c 4).

During the interval between power-on (including reset using the interface) and the end of the initialization sequence, until data can be received.

When an error has occurred

During the macro execution switch waiting status.

Table 1-7. Interface Connector Specifications and Functions

Pin number	Signal name	I/O	Function
1	FG	—	Frame ground
2	TXD	O	Transmit data
3	RXD	I	Receive data
			DIP SW1-6 off: Same as DTR signal (Pin20)
4	RTS	O	DIP SW1-6 on: Logical product of DTR signals of DM-D and TM (if both are
			SPACE, the printer can receive data.
			Indicates whether the host is ready to receive data. SPACE indicates
			“ready,” and MARK indicates “not ready.” If DTR/DSR control is used, the
			printer checks this signal before sending data (except when sending
6	DSR	I	data by GS ENG, DLE ENQ, GS a). If XON/OFF control is used, this signal is
			not checked.This signal can be used to reset the printer according the
			DIP switch settings. The printer is reset when the signal is MARK with more
			than 1 ms pulse width.
7	SG	—	Signal ground

1-20 Features and General Specifications

Rev. A