Extech Instruments 3000, Data Systems, 2000 User Manual
EXTECH DATA SYSTEMS
SERIES 2000 + SERIES 3000
DEVELOPER’S GUIDE
VERSION: 4B
DATE: October 2000 Part Number: 7A060028DG
Page 1
Extech Data Systems Celebrates 10 Years
Design and Manufacture Battery Operated Portable Printers
Extech Data Systems, the Portable Printing Division of Extech Instruments, started Engineering
development of a new line of portable instrumentation in 1988, just ten years ago. The first
products from this development, a portable battery operated printer and a portable modem were
introduced in 1989. Designed specifically for the Psion Organiser, this initial foray into the world
of mobile computing proved highly successful. The advent of a low cost, battery operated
portable printer allowed innovative individuals and organizations to develop system solutions for
a variety of interesting applications, including:
§ Duty Gear who developed ‘Ticket Writer,’ a self-contained portable computer system,
programmable that generates parking tickets directly from Extech’s integral printer.
§ Precision Systems who introduced PESTWARE a “revolutionary, cost saving
productivity tool designed to reduce paperwork, handwritten work orders and invoices” for
the Pest Control industry. Using an Extech Comms printer, the system prints work orders and
invoices on the job site.
§ Harvest Computer Consulting who designed Farm Handy™ specifically for agricultural
payrolls using compensation based on a piece rate. The system allows for immediate printing
of receipts for employees.
§ Joint Technologies Ltd. who introduced CoinTRAX© Model 50, a portable coin counting
system that provides fast, accurate accounting of coin and token income from various
machines, companies and locations. CoinTRAX© also provides count verification of tagged
bags, totes, coin rolls and over-the-counter receipts.
Introduction of the mini-serial printer increased the potential for our printers, allowing
integration with virtually any RS232 serial device, including portable computers, pen computers,
vending machines and weighing scales.
§ Streetguard™ Inc. who developed Streetguard VVRS, a hand-held pen computer based
parking ticket writing system that allows writing of the ticket directly on the pen computer
screen and then printing out to the Extech Mini Serial Printer.
In 1991, we introduced a built-in magnetic card reader (MCR) option — available to read either
tracks 1 and 2 or tracks 2 and 3. Both tracks are read and decoded simultaneously. Decoded data
was transferred to the host computer, via the serial port, for verification and consolidation into
receipt form. The completed data is then sent back to the printer for receipt printing. Nowadays,
data transfer is possible through the serial port, bi-directional parallel port or the IrDA port. A
unique two-way communication protocol allows for the decoded data from the magnetic card to
be transmitted to the host computer. Again, a number of interesting applications have been
developed, including:
§ Micros’ Hospitality: visit the Fleet Center in Boston for a Celtics or Bruins game and
enjoy the rapid food system made possible by Micros’ pioneering ordering system. Linking a
hand held pen computer system, local radio network system and an Extech printer with built-
Page 2
in magnetic card reader allows fans to order directly from their seat. The order is radioed to
the kitchen, filled and delivered right to the seat. Payment by credit card is made,
authorization obtained over the radio network and on to the next fan! The system is so quick,
additional kitchen space was added!
§ Swedish Railway who introduced “the first computerized conductors in the world”
equipped with a hand held computer and an Extech Mini Serial Printer enabling passengers to
purchase their ticket on the train. A magnetic card reader, integrated right into the printer
means the passenger can pay by credit card as well as cash. The magnetic card reader is set to
read tracks 2 and 3 simultaneously, decode the data and transfer it to the hand held computer.
Extech Data Systems — Ten Years On
EXTECH Data Systems nowadays designs and manufactures battery operated, portable printers
for portable and mobile computing applications. Powerful micro-controllers on highly integrated
circuit boards manage all the features supported by the printers. Custom firmware and printer
designs are provided to meet a wide range of application requirements including special graphics,
simultaneous read of dual track magnetic cards, datalogging, etc. The user may choose impact or
thermal print heads. A full range of communication interfaces is available: serial (RS232),
parallel (unidirectional and bi-directional), infrared IrDA or ASK), and magnetic card reader. All
data interfaces are DOS and Windows compatible. Integration with hand-held computers, PDAs,
pen computers and notebook computers is easily accomplished by OEMs and their system
integrators.
The printers may be operated from a battery pack or from an AC power adapter. Battery
operation provides up to 2 hours of continuous print time - more than sufficient for a normal
shift’s work. A fast charge circuit fully charges the battery in 90 minutes. The high impact plastic
housing encloses easily loaded, single or two-ply paper rolls. Connectors are placed for wearing
comfort and to minimize exposure to the elements. Membrane switches with bright LEDs are
easily reached when worn on a belt or placed on a desk. Typical applications include field sales,
field service, meter reading, route accounting, ticket issuance, and more. Recent product
developments include:
§ Series 2000 (updated impact printer range) and Series 2000T (new thermal printer range).
The new products incorporate a larger paper roll, a new IrDA wireless communication
system, an improved battery charging system, large memory and a new body housing with
built-in belt clip
§ Built-in magnetic card reader version especially suitable for field applications where
payment is preferred at the time of service delivery. Mobile point of sale applications
(EPOS) can also benefit from use of this new printer. Integration with wireless systems
makes credit card authorization possible (EFTPOS)
§ Introduction of alkaline battery powered option for increased portability
§ Introduction of new printers with data logger capability
Page 3
Parallel printer with new board and system
design with new communication interface
Parallel printer with new interface to work
Parallel printer with Alkaline battery
Serial printer with mcr, operating only
directional
d S 2000) with special date/time
an OEM needing to satisfy a customer in
We developed a Korean font for the S2000
§ Introduction of vehicle mount printers, operating from the vehicle battery, for EFTPOS
systems
Additionally, the design of our products allows easy modification as needed to satisfy customer
needs. We pride ourselves on responding to specific customer requirements. Over the past four
years the needs of many of our major customers demanded that we develop new variations of
printers for them. Some recent examples include:
A a field sales organization in insurance
B a field service operation in retailing
C a field sales operation in the food business
D National airline
E National railway system Serial printer with battery monitoring
F wireless network provider MSP III with power from car battery
G field service application MPP III with mcr and bi-
H aerospace application MSP (an
I remote site hospitality MSP III with RJ II
J
Korea
Customer Product
for Fujitsu pen pad.
with Itronix unit
option
with Alkaline batteries
parallel interface
requirement
printer.
Page 4
Section 1 … Preparing the Printer
Introduction
This guide summarizes the programming, operating and maintenance features of the SERIES
2000T, Series 2000i and Series 3000T Extech printers. This section should be included in your
operating guide for the final users of the printer.
Initial preparation of the Printer
§ You must charge the battery cartridge before you can operate the printer.
• To do this you must install the battery in the printer, or
• Use a separate battery charger (Part Numbers 767600 or 767700).
• You will need an Extech (9VDC/1.0A) power adapter normally provided with the printer.
§ Insert the battery into the printer.
• To remove the battery door at the back of the printer, place a coin into the slot and
push --- this releases the lock; (see figure 2)
• Remove the battery door by lifting away from the guide rails.
• Install the battery cartridge in the battery compartment located at the back of the
printer (as shown in Figure 2).
§ If the battery has not been previously charged in an external battery charger, you will need
to charge it overnight in the printer.
• Place the power adapter into an appropriate wall socket; then plug the power adapter
cord into the connector at the rear of the printer (see Figure 3). The yellow <Charge>
light will illuminate.
• Leave the battery on charge for 12 hours.
§ Select a serial communication interface RS232 or IrDA. (see figure 1)
• Dip switch #8 in the “on” position selects IrDA interface. In the “off” position, RS232 is
selected.
• If RS232 interface is selected, connect the data connector and set the serial
communication parameters: Baud rate, Data Bit and Parity.
• If using RS232 you also need a cable such as Extech’s part # 5892RJD9; this plugs into
the serial connector at the rear of the printer (Figure 3).
• If interfacing to a PC, Set MS-DOS and Windows variables.
Initial power up and self-test
§ To start the self-test, press and hold the <FEED> switch then press <ON>.
• The printer will print a self-test.
§ Press the <OFF> to turn off the printer and stop the self-test.
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§ Press the <ON> switch to turn on the printer.
Manually Installing Paper (figure 4) … Thermal Printers
§ To unlock the top hinged cover, place each thumb on the grooved sections indicated in
the figure at the rear of the cover. Press the two locking ribs located at the rear of the
printer to release the first lock; raise the hinged cover to open. Press on the two locking
arms to allow the cover to fully open and provide access to the paper area.
§ Release the print head pressure by lifting the lever located next to the paper advance knob
on the right side of the printer.
§ Unroll a leader from the new roll (about 3 inches); do not place roll in the printer at this
time.
§ Trim the leading edge of the roll to a wedge shape as illustrated.
§ Place the edge of the leader just under the roller in the print head; manually feed the paper
into the print head until it appears exiting at the top of the roller.
§ Push the print head lever down to secure the paper in position.
§ Place roll in the printer.
§ Advance about 4 inches of paper by rotating the paper advance knob.
§ Feed the leading edge of the paper into the slot of the hinged cover
§ Lower the hinged cover and press to lock.
§ Pull the 4 inches of paper forward against the teeth of the paper tear bar and pull to either
side to tear off the paper.
§ The printer is then loaded with paper and ready to use.
§ Caution:
• To manually remove paper out of the printer mechanism, lift the lever located at the right
hand side of the printer mechanism and remove paper.
Auto Paper Load (figure 4) … Thermal Printers
§ To unlock the top hinged cover, place each thumb on the grooved sections indicated in
the figure at the rear of the cover. Press the two locking ribs located at the rear of the
printer to release the first lock; raise the hinged cover to open. Press on the two locking
arms to allow the cover to fully open and provide access to the paper area.
§ If the printer is not already on, turn it on by pressing the <ON> switch.
§ Remove any paper remaining in the printer mechanism, using the <FEED> switch.
§ Unroll a leader from the new roll (about 3 inches); do not place roll in the printer at this
time.
§ Trim the leading edge of the roll to a wedge shape.
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§ Place the wedge of the leader just under the roller in the print-head; the printer will sense
the paper and advance it through the print-head. If you experience difficulty, press the
<FEED> switch.
§ Place roll in the printer.
§ Feed the leading edge of the paper into the slot of the hinged cover
§ Lower the hinged cover and lock.
§ Pull the 4 inches of paper forward against the teeth of the paper tear bar and pull to either
side to tear off the paper.
§ The printer is then loaded with paper and ready to use.
§ Caution:
• To manually remove paper out of the printer mechanism, lift the lever located at the
right hand side of the printer mechanism and remove paper.
• Similarly, to manually insert paper, lift the lever, tear the leader into a triangle shape,
insert the lead under the roller and then use the paper advance knob to advance the
paper until it appears exiting from the printer mechanism.
• When finished, push the lever back down and close the paper cover.
Installing Paper (figure 4) … Impact Printers
§ To unlock the top hinged cover. Place each thumb on the grooved sections indicated in
the figure at the rear of the cover. Press the two locking ribs located at the rear of the
printer to release the first lock; raise the hinged cover to open. Press on the two locking
arms to allow the cover to fully open and provide access to the paper area.
§ If the printer is not already on, turn it on by pressing the <ON> switch.
§ Remove any paper remaining in the printer mechanism, using the <FEED> switch.
§ Unroll a leader from the new roll (about 3 inches); do not place roll in the printer at this
time.
§ Place the straight edge of the leader just under the roller in the print-head and feed about
3 inches of the new roll of paper into the print-head using the <FEED> switch.
§ Place paper roll in the printer.
§ Feed the leading edge of the paper into the slot of the hinged cover
§ Lower the hinged cover and lock.
§ Pull the 3 inches of paper forward against the teeth of the paper tear bar and pull to either
side to tear off the paper.
§ The printer is then loaded with paper and ready to use.
§§ Caution:
• Do not REVERSE pull paper out of the printer mechanism; this will cause damage to the
print head.
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Installing Ribbon (figure 1) … Impact Printers
§ Unlock and raise the top hinged cover as described above. Remove the worn out ribbon
by pressing with one finger at the location labeled “EJECT” on the ribbon cartridge.
§ Insert the new ribbon in place and press at the extreme ends of the ribbon cartridge to
secure it in place. With your thumb, tighten the ribbon, by rotating clockwise, the ribbed
wheel located on the front of the ribbon cartridge.
§ Feed paper to insure that the paper passes through exposed ribbon and ribbon cartridge
case.
Membrane Switch Functions (see figure 1)
§ <ON> The <ON> switch turns printer power on.
§ <FEED> The <FEED> switch advances the paper at a fast rate.
§§ <OFF> The <OFF> switch turns the printer power off.
Note: In IrDA mode, press <FEED> momentarily, then <OFF>.
§§ <ADVN>* The <ADVN> switch advances paper at a normal rate.
(* This switch function is not present with the MCR version)
Front Panel Indicators (see figure 1)
§ <ON> Green
• Illuminated when the printer is in operation.
• In Serial mode, extinguishes after 20 seconds before going into Auto Sleep mode to
minimize battery consumption.
• In IrDA mode, on steady.
§ <READY> Green
• In IrDA mode, is illuminated during Infrared communication; extinguishes after 20
seconds to minimize battery consumption.
• In Serial mode is illuminated when the optional Magnetic Card Reader is ready for
swiping.
• Flashes twice before going into Auto Sleep mode when connected to PC.
§ <Charge> Yellow
• If illuminated the battery cartridge is accepting charge.
• Turns off automatically at the end of the charge cycle.
§ <LOW PWR> Yellow
• If illuminated the battery cartridge is depleted.
• Recharge battery cartridge if LED is on.
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§ <FAULT> Red
Ÿ Indicates printer paper out.
Ÿ Indicates print head lever is up.
Ÿ Indicates incorrect read with magnetic card reader.
Ÿ Indicates printing with low power (printing not possible).
§ <READY, FAULT, LOW POWER> Flashing
Ÿ Indicates printer is paused; to continue printing current receipt, press <FEED> or to clear
print buffer press <OFF>.
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Section 2 … Serial Communications
RS 232 Communication Interface (Standard)
§ Eight position dip switch, located to the left of the paper roll, is used to select and set the
serial RS232 interface. The printer reads these switches once on initial power-up (see
below).
§ Proper Baud Rate and protocol settings are required to communicate with a host
computer. The standard factory setting is 19,200 BAUD, 8 DATA BITS, NO PARITY
BIT, and one STOP BIT, all switches in off position. To make changes use the table
below:
Dip Switch Function
1 & 2 Baud rate
3 No. of data bits
4 & 5 Parity bit
6 Hardware Handshaking
19,200
9,600
4,800
2,400
7 Data Bits
8 Data bits
No Parity
Odd Parity
Even Parity
enable
disable
SW1 SW2
off off
on off
off on
on on
SW3
on
off
SW4 SW5
off off
on off
on on
SW6
on
off
7 Clock and Calendar
8 Communication Interface
clock set
RS232
IrDA
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SW7
on
SW8
off
on
RS 232 Communication Interface (Special / Impact Only)
§ The standard factory setting for this version is 9,600 BAUD, 8 DATA BITS, NO
PARITY BIT, and one STOP BIT, all switches in off position. To make changes use the
table below:
Dip Switch Function
1 & 2 Baud rate
3 No. of data bits
4 & 5 Parity bit
6 Hardware Handshaking
9,600
4,800
2,400
1,200
7 Data Bits
8 Data bits
No Parity
Odd Parity
Even Parity
enable
disable
SW1 SW2
off off
on off
off on
on on
SW3
on
off
SW4 SW5
off off
on off
on on
SW6
on
off
7 Clock and Calendar
8 Communication Interface
clock set
RS232
IrDA
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SW7
on
SW8
off
on
RS232C Connections
§ The RS232C Interface signals for the S2000T Series printers are terminated on a 6 PIN
RJ type data connector located at the back of the printer (Figure 3).
§ Six connections are provided from the Serial Interface to the host computer for proper
operation of this option.
§ The table below lists the Serial Interface signals and pinouts on the RJ connector.
§ A minimum of two connections are required for operation, RXD-pin3 and Common-pin1.
RJ
CONNECTOR PIN #
3 RS232 from Host (INPUT) RXD
2 RS232 from Printer (OUTPUT) TXD
6 Request to send from Host (INPUT) RTS
4 Clear to send from Printer (OUTPUT) CTS
1, 5 Logic common COM
FUNCTIONAL
DESCRIPTION
SIGNAL
NAME
RS232C Technical Specifications
§ RS232C technical specifications are as follows:
DATA TRANSFER RATE: 2400 Through 19200 baud
WORD LENGTH: 1 Start bit
7 Or 8 Data bits
1 Or 2 Stops bits
PARITY BIT: None, Odd or even
SIGNAL LEVELS: Mark or Logical
1 = -3 to -15VDC
Space or Logical
0 = +3 to +15VDC
HANDSHAKING: RTS/CTS or XON/XOFF
§ Caution:
• In one version of the Impact Printer, the baud rate is from 1200 through 9600.
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SERIAL IrDA Communication Interface
§ This section summarizes the operating features of the Extech S2000T printer series with
built in Infrared Data Receiver Interface (IrDA)
§ The IrDA Interface is designed for reception of serial data and no interconnecting cables
are required for data transfer. It conforms and exceeds Infrared Data Association protocol
specifications for secondary station, as specified in IrDA-1 standard.
§ Three layers of the IrDA protocol specifications are supported:
• the IrDA Serial Infrared Physical Layer
• the Link Access Protocol (IRLAP) and
• the Link Management Protocol (IRLMP)
§ Additionally, we have implemented IRComm 3-wire raw as a file transfer protocol for
communication of decoded magnetic card data from the printer to the host computer (see
Section X)
§ Dip switch #8 ON, selects the IrDA interface. The Green <READY> is illuminated on
power-up if the IrDA interface is selected.
§ The table below lists the IrDA interface specification.
Protocol Compatibility: IrDA Version 1 IRLAP and IRLMP compatible.
Carrier: Infrared light
Communication Distance: 0 cm to 100 cm
Transmission Speed: Default to 19200
Parity bit: none
Data bit: 8 bits
Stop bit: 1
Error check: CRC
IrDA physical layer compatible
peak wavelength 850 to 1050 nm
negotiable 2400 to 19.2k
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Section 3 ... Battery
Battery Recharging Operation
§ The Extech Printers features an internal fast battery recharge system. This system is
designed to fast charge the battery cartridges in 90 minutes using 120V/9VDC/1.0A
power adapter (PN# 152120). This adapter is designed for North American use. Both
220V (PN# 152320) and 240V (PN# 152340) versions are available for international use.
§ The battery voltage, temperature and maximum charge time are monitored during battery
recharge cycle.
Initiating Fast-Charge
§ The battery Fast-charge is initiated, when the power adapter is applied to the printer.
§ The battery's voltage and temperature are checked by the fast-charge controller before the
start of the fast recharge process.
§ If the battery voltage or the temperature is outside of the fast-charge limits, the charger
defaults to trickle charge at C/64 rate.
§ If the battery voltage and the temperature are valid the yellow <CHARGE> LED is
illuminated and the fast-charge at the 1C rate is initiated. The battery temperature and
voltage limits are as follows:
Ÿ Temperature: less then 50C
Ÿ Voltage: greater than 2 VDC or less than 7 VDC.
Fast-Charge Termination
§ The controller continues the fast-charge process until any one of the following charge
termination conditions are encountered:
Ÿ Peak battery pack voltage is detected.
Ÿ Recharger Timer time-out (90 minutes).
Ÿ Battery temperature greater then 50C
§ The yellow fast <CHARGE> LED is turned off at the end of the fast charge cycle and a 5
minute Top-off charge cycle is initiated. The Top-off charge cycle insures full battery
charge.
§ Pulsed trickle charge cycle follows the Top-off cycle. The battery is trickle charged at
C/64 rate.
Page 14
Printer sends an EOT character when buffer is empty;
nning of
Transmitted after initial power up or clearing of printer
Section 4 ... Control and Character Set
Control Characters
§ The printer has a set of commands which provide control of printer functions. The printer
also provides response commands informing the user of the printer status.
§ In this section, the recognized control characters and the corresponding printer actions are
summarized below:
Character Con Hex/Dec CONTROL ACTION
EOT ^D 04/04 End Of Text
BS ^H 08/08 Back Space
HT ^I 09/09 Horizontal Tab
LF ^J 0A/10 Line Feed
VT ^K 0B/11 Vertical Tab
FF ^L 0C/12 Form Feed
CR ^M 0D/13 Carriage Return
SO ^N 0E/14 Shift Out
SI ^O 0F/15 Shift In
XON ^Q 11/17 Transmitter On
AUXON ^R 12/18 Print on
tells the host that printer is in idle mode.
remove previous character in print buffer.
Tab to 5,9,13,17,21,25,29,33,37 or to the begi
next line.
Advance to beginning of next line.
Advance 5 lines.
Advance 10 lines.
Advance to beginning of next line.
clears double width or extended print pending.
All characters are printed in double width (10x7)
All characters are printed in normal width (5x7).
Printer to Host: Ready to receive data.
Host to printer: The host is ready to accept data.
Printer to Host: Print is on line.
jam.
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If received, print buffer is reset and printer placed in
Escape character precedes graphics and printer
All characters following this command are printed
All characters following this command are printed
Character Control Hex/Dec CONTROL ACTION
XOFF ^S 13/19 Printer receiver is off
Printer to Host: Print Buffer is full.
Host to Printer: Host transmitter off.
NORM ^T 14/20 Return to normal print
AUXOFF ^U 15/21 Printer to Host: printer is off
transmitted to host before power down or paper out
CANCEL ^X 18/24 Cancel and reset printer
ESC ^[ 1B/27 Escape
EXTEND ^\ 1C/28 Extended print
EXTEND
OFF
^] 1D/29 Extended print off/Normal print
initial power-up default settings.
operating modes. Refer to escape command section.
double high (5x14).
normal size (5x7)
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