Extech Instruments MSP-II, MPP-II, MPP-III, MSP-III User Manual

EXTECH DATA SYSTEMS

MSP/MPP II/III

COMPACT PORTABLE PRINTER

USER'S MANUAL

VERSION: 2.0

DATE: August 1995

Extech Data Systems

(A Division of Extech Instruments Corporation)

335 Bear Hill Road

Waltham MA 02154

Part Number: 7A060023

About this Manual

Objective

This User's Manual supplies the necessary information for installing and operating Extech
MPP/MSP compact portable printer series.

Contents

Chapter 1:

This chapter starts with the visual overview of your MSP/MPP printer series. Power, data,
ribbon, paper and installation procedures are covered and supported with helpful diagrams. At
the end of this chapter you are ready for the initial power-up and printer self-test.

Chapter 2:

This chapter starts with the operational overview of your MSP/MPP printer series. The features
of each module comprising the printer are described. The printer operating modes are detailed.
The character set, fonts, controls, characters and graphics print commands are listed.

Chapter 3:

In this chapter RS232C and 8 Bit Parallel Centronics interface input pins, operation and
electrical characteristics are listed. The Serial Baud Rate and Parity selection and 8 bit parallel
operation are described.

Appendix A:

Serial MSP/MPP Users guide.

Appendix B:

MSP/MPP printer trouble shooting guide.

Appendix C:

Magnetic Card Reader Option

Appendix D:

Infrared Data Input Option

Page 3

NOTE:

FCC Part 15 Class B

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. I F THIS EQUIPMENT
DOES CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO OR TELEVISION RECEPTION, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try too correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

-R eorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Warranty

This printer is warranted by Extech Data Systems to be free of defects in parts and
workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. (The customer is responsible for
ensuring proper packing to prevent damage in transit.) This warranty does not apply to defects
resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of
specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantibility or fitness for a specific purpose and will not
be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total
liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is
inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral is expressed or implied.

Warranty Service (Call 617 890 7440)

A Return Authorization number must be issued before a unit is returned to Extech for repair.
Once a unit has been properly returnd to Extech, it will be repaired (estimates are provided first
if the repair cost is estimated above $50.00) and returned via UPS ground. The customer may
elect a faster mode of transport at their cost.

Page 4

Contents

1.0 INSTALLATION AND INITIAL POWER-UP

1.1 MODEL NUMBER

1.2 UNPACKING YOUR PRINTER

1.3 FRONT PANEL LED INDICATORS

1.4 MEMBRANE SWITCH PANEL

1.5 DATA CONNECTOR

1.6 POWER INPUT

1.6.1 AC POWER ADAPTER

1.6.2 DC POWER CONNECTION (OPTIONAL)

1.6.3 INSTALLING BATTERY

1.7 INSTALLING PAPER AND RIBBON

1.7.2 INSTALLING PAPER

1.7.2 INSTALLING RIBBON

1.8 INITIAL POWER-UP AND SELF-TEST

2.0 OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART I

2.2 PRINTER MECHANISM

2.2.1 PRINTER PAPER SPECIFICATION

2.3 PRINTER POWER

2.3.1 MANUAL POWER-UP AND POWER-DOWN

2.3.2 AUTO POWER DOWN TIMER

2.3.4 PRINTER BATTERY PACK

2.4 CONTROL CHARACTERS

2.5 BUILT-IN CHARACTER FONTS

2.6 CHARACTER SIZE

2.6.1 NORMAL CHARACTER

2.6.2 EXPANDED CHARACTER

2.6.3 EXTENDED CHARACTER

2.6.4 LARGE CHARACTER

2.6.5 PRINTER CHARACTER SET

2.7 DOT ADDRESSABLE GRAPHICS

2.7.1 GRAPHIC CHARACTER SET

2.7.2 GRAPHICS CHARACTER HEX DOT PATTERNS

2.8 OPERATING PRINTER IN MS-DOS ENVIRONMENT

2.9 OPERATING PRINTER IN WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT

2.1 PRINTER CONTROLLER

2.3.3 POWER-UP VIA DATA INTERFACE

Page 5

3.0 OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART II

3.1 MSP - RS232C SERIAL INTERFACE

3.1.1 MSP SERIES - SERIAL COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

3.1.2 MSP SERIES - SERIAL BUSY PROTOCOL

3.1.3 MSP SERIES - XON/XOFF PROTOCOL

3.1.4 MSP SERIES - RS232C CONNECTIONS

3.1.5 MSP SERIES - OPTIONAL RJ11 - RS232C CONNECTOR

3.1.6 MSP SERIES - RS232C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.2 MPP SERIES - 8 BIT PARALLEL INTERFACE

3.2.1 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE OPERATION

3.2.2 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

3.2.3 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE TIMING DIAGRAMS

3.2.4 MSP/MPP SERIES - DATA CONNECTOR

Appendix A Serial MSP/MPP Users guide.
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D

MSP/MPP printer trouble shooting guide.
Magnetic Card Reader Option
Infrared Data Input Option

Page 6

Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up

1.0 INSTALLATION AND INITIAL POWER-UP

Thank you for selecting the Extech compact portable printer. The MPP/MSP printer series
feature compact reliable, plain paper dot matrix printers capable of printing 24 through 42
columns and dot addressable graphics. Packaged in rugged Cycolac enclosure, it is designed
for use as a table top or portable battery operated printer.

These printers are available in two types of interfaces, either serial RS232C or 8 bit parallel. All
models feature 2048 character print buffer to free the host computer during the printing process.
The serial RS232C printers (models MSP II or MSP III) support all standard serial
communication handshakes, the communication rate and the protocol are set via dip switches.
The 8 bit parallel printers (models MPP II or MPP III) support Centronics compatible
communication handshakes.

1.1 MODEL NUMBER

To best meet OEM requirements, the Extech compact portable printers are manufactured in a
variety of configurations. The Model number of your printer is shown on the front panel label
(Figure 1.0).

The model number of the printer is comprised of three fields. The first field specifies the type of
communication interface installed, the second field specifies print speed and the third field
specifies the number of the print columns. The model number convention summarizing the
features of the printer are listed below.

MSP - II - 24
(1) (2) (3)

(1) Printer interface type:

MSP . . . . . . Serial RS232C interface

MPP . . . . . . 8 bit parallel interface

(2) Print speed:

II . . . . . . 40 Characters per second (CPS)

III . . . . . . 60 Characters per second (CPS)

(3) Print columns:

For II . . . . 24 or 42 columns

For III . . . . 24 or 40 columns

The instructions in this manual apply to the following Extech compact printers.
MODEL # DESCRIPTION PART #

MSP-II -24 Mini Serial Printer 40CPS - 24 columns 76716F0
MSP-II -42 Mini Serial Printer 40CPS - 42 columns 76718F0
MPP-II -24 Mini Parallel Printer 40CPS - 24 columns 76916F0
MPP-II -42 Mini Parallel Printer 40CPS - 42 columns 76918F0
MSP-III-24 Mini Serial Printer 60CPS - 24 columns 76816F0
MSP-III-40 Mini Serial Printer 60CPS - 40 columns 76818F0
MPP-III-24 Mini Parallel Printer 60CPS - 24 columns 77016F0
MPP-III-40 Mini Parallel Printer 60CPS - 40 columns 77018F0

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Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up

1.2 UNPACKING YOUR PRINTER

When you remove the printer from its shipping box, make sure it is in good condition. The
package also includes an AC power adapter, rechargeable battery pack, paper roll, a warranty
registration card. If any of the components are missing, contact Extech or your distributor for
assistance.

Keep the packing material so you can repack the printer for storage or shipment. If there is any
visible damage to the printer, record it on the freight bill, have the freight carrier acknowledge it
and submit your claim to the carrier.

Caution: Do not install or operate damaged equipment as safety and performance may be
affected.

1.3 FRONT PANEL LED INDICATORS

Five LED lights are used for various printer function indications. These LEDs are located on the
front panel of the MSP/MPP Printer series. The functions assigned to these lights are as
follows:

ON-Line indicator
The green LED, labeled <ON-Line>, illuminates if the printer is selected.

Low BAT indicator
The Yellow LED, labeled <Low BAT>, illuminates if the battery pack is depleted. Recharge
battery pack if LED is on.

Charge indicator
The Yellow LED, labeled <Charge>, illuminates if battery is accepting charge. It turns off
automatically at the end of the charge cycle.

Ready indicator
The green LED, labeled <Ready> is used for the following:

-The <Ready> LED illuminates if the printer senses the presence of the AC power.

-The <Ready> LED illuminates if a command to enable Magnetic card reader is
received.

Error indicator
The red LED, labeled <Error>, is used for the following indication:

- The <Error> LED flashing:
The <Error> LED flashes at a rate of once per second for 5 seconds, before
auto-shutoff of the printer.

- The <Error> LED stays lit:
The <Error> LED stays lit if the printer control card fails to turn on the printer
mechanism, due to low battery or paper jam or if an error is detected while
reading the magnetic card.

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Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up

1.4 MEMBRANE SWITCH PANEL

Four membrane switches are provided on the left side of the MSP/MPP printers for various
operator controls. The switches are labeled <SLCT>, <FEED>, <SET> and <ADVN>. The
functions performed by these switches are summarized below.

<SLCT> or <ON>

The <SLCT> or <ON> switch is used to turn printer power on.
The green <ON-Line> LED is illuminated, if printer is selected.

<FEED>

The <FEED> switch is used to advance the paper by one line.

<SET> or <OFF>

The <SET> or <OFF> switch is used to turn the printer OFF. The <Error> LED starts flashing
when set switch is pressed.

<ADVN> 0r < >

The <ADVN> or < > switch is used to advance paper by one line.

1.5 DATA CONNECTOR

The Data Connector of the MSP/MPP printer is located at the front of the printer. Figure 1.0
shows the front panel of the MSP/MPP Printer series. The serial and parallel input/output
signals of the MSP/MPP compact printers are terminated on a 25 pin, DB25S female connector.
Pin assignments and technical specifications for each type of interface are listed in Chapter 3.

1.6 POWER INPUT

The MSP/MPP compact printers receive DC power via Extech rechargeable battery pack or
through a two (2) conductor Power Input Connector located on the right side of the printer.

NOTE: The printer must be operated with the battery installed when the
Power Adapter is used. Failure to do so will invalidate the warranty.

1.6.1 AC POWER ADAPTER

A wall mount UL listed power adapter is provided to operate the printer. The AC Power
Adapter plugs directly into an AC power outlet while it's mating DC plug, on a 6 ft
extension, connects to the printer. The center pin is the positive DC input, while the
body of the connector is logic common or DC negative input.

The AC Power Adapter is internally fused and it's output is rated at 9 VDC/1.0A for
MSP II printer series and 9VDC/2.0A for MSP III. The Power adapter AC input is
available for either 110 VAC or 220 VAC.

Page 9

Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up

PART # DESCRIPTION
152117 MSP/MPP II 110 VAC IN / 9VDC 1A Out
152220 MSP/MPP II 220 VAC IN / 9VDC 1A Out
153117 MSP/MPP III 110 VAC IN / 9VDC 2A Out
153220 MSP/MPP III 220 VAC IN / 9VDC 2A Out
151129 DC CAR ADAPTER

1.6.2 DC POWER CONNECTION (OPTIONAL)

For DC powered units, a two conductor power plug is provided. Refer to Table 1.0 to
connect power to your DC unit. No internal fuse is provided with DC units. It is strongly
recommended to install external fuses with the values shown in the table 1.0.

Table 1.0 below summarizes Voltage, Current and Fuse requirements for AC and DC
configurations.

MODEL # VOLTAGE +/- CURRENT FUSE
MSP/MPP 110VAC 10% .1A INTERNALLY FUSED
MSP/MPP 220VAC 10% .06A INTERNALLY FUSED
MSP/MPP 7.5-

13.6VDC

Voltages, Currents and Fuses

1.6.3 INSTALLING BATTERY

Install the battery pack provided into the battery compartment at the bottom of
the printer.

The battery pack provided must be charged over night prior to its first use.

To charge the battery pack use the AC adaptor provided. 8-10 hours are required
to recharge the battery pack.

The MSP/MPP printers are capable of delivering from one to two hours
continuous printing on a full charge.

-- 4 WATTS 1.0A SLB

Table 1.0

1.7 INSTALLING PAPER AND RIBBON

The printer is shipped from the factory with paper and ribbon installed, refer to this section to
install new supply of paper and ribbon. The paper tray and ribbon cartridge of the MSP/MPP
compact printers are located inside the printer enclosure. To access the paper tray and the
ribbon cartridge the back cover must be removed. To remove the back cover, press in at the
arrow mark while pulling the back cover up.

1.7.1 INSTALLING PAPER



Remove the back cover (section 1.7 and figures 1.1 and 1.3).



Turn on the printer by pressing the <SLCT> or <ON> switch.

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Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up



Tear and discard any paper remaining in the printer tray.



Remove any paper remaining in the printer mechanism, using the <FEED> switch.

 Do not REVERSE pull paper out of the printer mechanism - this will damage

the printer mechanism



Feed the new roll of paper into the printer paper slot using the <FEED> switch.

1.7.2 INSTALLING RIBBON



Remove the back cover (section 1.1 and figure 1.3).



Remove the worn 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.

1.8 INITIAL POWER-UP AND SELF-TEST

A self-test feature is built into your MSP/MPP compact printer series. To start the self-test,
press the <FEED> switch during initial power-up of the printer (see below).

Once the battery is installed and all the front panel LED indicators are turned off (press the
<OFF> or <SET> switch to turn off) press and hold down the <FEED> switch, then press the
<SLCT> or <ON> switch, this will automatically start the self test. The self-test program checks
the integrity of the operating program installed, the 2048 character print buffer, the processor
watchdog, and the power supervision circuits. The printer performs an internal self-test and
prints the self-test findings, current printer settings, and starts continuous print of the built-in
printer character fonts. To stop the self-test process, press the <FEED> switch.

If no problems are found, the following messages are printed:

TEST PRINT DESCRIPTION
2K BUFFER EXTECH V2.2 (C) 1994 This line shows the version of the installed Eprom
and the size of print buffer.

INTERFACE: SERIAL Type of interface selected SERIAL or PARALLEL.
MODE:2400,8,N,1 Baud=2400, number of Data bits=8, Parity= None,

Stop bits = 1

Note:
The red <Error> LED will turned on if any error is encountered during self test.
If any problem is encountered during self test. Refer to APPENDIX C for a brief trouble shooting
guide.

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Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer

2.0 OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART 1

The MSP/MPP compact portable printer series is comprised of a microcomputer-based printer
controller card, a printer mechanism module, a rechargeable battery pack and a high impact
cycolac enclosure.

2.1 PRINTER CONTROLLER

The MSP Serial printers use the Extech Part Number EX075 circuit board while the MPP
Parallel printers use the Extech EX076 circuit board. A powerful INTEL micro-controller on
these highly integrated circuit boards manage's all the features supported by the printer. The
circuit board incorporates the printer drivers, communication interfaces, 2K print buffer, the front
panel switch inputs, battery charger and power regulator circuits.

Upon initial power-up, the Printer Controller goes through extensive self-test procedures. It
verifies the amount of print buffer installed and restores the default printer settings. In the idle
mode, the printer controller continuously checks the front panel controls, the data input
interface, the print buffer, the DC and battery pack voltage levels and processor watchdog
supervisor.

The data sent to the MSP/MPP printer series is received by the controller on an interrupt basis.
The controller validates the data before saving it in the print buffer. The power regulator and
battery charger features are summarized in section 2.3.

2.2 PRINTER MECHANISM

The MSP/MPP compact printers are designed using highly reliable high speed alphanumeric
impact printer mechanisms. The MSP/MPP printer mechanisms require only +5VDC for
operation and are guarded against possible malfunction by a special protection circuit included
on the control card. The printer ratings are as follows.

MSP - II MSP - III
Reliability 1,000,000 character lines 1,500,000 character lines
Print speed 40 Characters per second 60 Characters per second

The MSP/MPP III printer mechanisms are built with eight dot driver coils, while the MSP/MPP II
printers have six dot driver coils. Both type of mechanisms include gears for fast paper feeding.
Using a continuous, pre-inked ribbon cassette (part # 757131 ), they can print 5x7, 10x14, 5x14
or 10X14 dot matrix characters or user defined graphics image.

Below is a detailed specification on printed character size, line spacing and number of total dots
for each mechanism used in MSP/MPP printer series.
Mechanism #
EX180 24 1.7(W) X 2.6(H) mm 2.06 mm 3.78 mm 144
EX183 42 1.1(W) X 2.6(H) mm 1.29 mm 3.78 mm 252
EX190 24 1.7(W) X 2.6(H) mm 2.06 mm 3.78 mm 144
EX192 40 1.2(W) X 2.6(H) mm 1.35 mm 3.78 mm 240

Columns Character-size Column-spacing Line spacing dots/line

Page 12

Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer

2.2.1 PRINTER PAPER SPECIFICATION

The MSP/MPP printers use 2.25" wide, .0027" thick and 1.12" diameter rolls of common
calculator paper. Three types of paper may be used in the printer, Single ply roll,
Two ply pressure sensitive roll, Label stock Custom Kiss-cut with perforation. Below is
the specification for each type of the paper.

Single Ply 757058 (5 rolls) 2.25"/57.5 mm .0027" / .08 mm 25' / 6.3 m
Two Ply 757135 (5 rolls) 2.25"/57.5 mm .0035" / .09 mm 16' / 4.0 m
Label stock Custom made 2.25"/57.5 mm label .066 mm custom lengths
Kiss-cut w/perf. carrier .058 mm

PAPER TYPE

PART # WIDTH THICKNESS LENGTH

2.3 PRINTER POWER

Printer power, battery locations and characteristics were described in section 1.6. This section
reviews the printer power and battery operation and specification.

Like any battery-power device, the battery pack supplied with the MSP/MPP printers have finite
life. The maximum usage between recharge will be obtained when the following simple rules are
followed.

- Turn off printer when not in use.

- Recharge until the <charge> LED turns off, indicating full charge.

- Use Extech power adapter to recharge the battery pack.

- Use "Logic Switching" capacity in your software to facilitate
the auto turn on or turn off of the printer.

2.3.1 MANUAL POWER-UP AND POWER-DOWN

The <SLCT> or <ON> membrane switch is used to turn the printer ON manually. The
<ON-Line> LED indicator is turned ON when <SLCT> or <ON> switch is pressed.

Press the <SET> or <OFF> switch to turn off the printer power. The red <Error> LED
starts flashing momentarily, to indicate the start of the power down process. This
process will last about 5 seconds.

2.3.2 AUTO POWER DOWN TIMER

The MSP/MPP printers have a built-in 30 second Power-Down-Timer. The timer is
automatically restarted under any one of the following conditions.

- If any of <SLCT> or <ON>, <FEED> or <ADVN> or <OFF> switches are

pressed.

- If a character is received via data interface.
Upon timeout of the Power-Down-Timer, the printer starts flashing the red <Error> LED
to worn the operator and transmits the power down command string to the host.
The power down timer may be disabled by activating the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals
on the interface connector.

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Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer

2.3.3 POWER-UP VIA DATA INTERFACE

The MSP/MPP printer can be powered-up by transmitting a single character or
activating <RTS> or <SELECT> signals on the interface connector.

To avoid the loss of data during "Logic Switching", the following software features must
be implemented in the Host program.

After sending a wake up character or activating the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals.

- Pause for 1.6 seconds before sending additional characters to the printer.

- Verify the status of <CTS> or <BUSY> before sending additional characters.

- Wait for the XON character from the printer.

The printer turns off power automatically, 30 seconds after the last character received
or de-activation of the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals.

2.3.4 PRINTER BATTERY PACK

The MSP/MPP printer is designed to operate with a 5.0 VDC/ 800 mAH rechargeable
Ni-Cd battery pack. The battery recharge and monitor circuits are located on the printer
controller.

Two LED indicators showing the status of the battery pack are provided.

The <Low BAT> LED is turned on when the battery voltage drops below 4.1
volts.
The <Charge> LED is on while the battery is accepting charge. It turns off
automatically at the end of the charge cycle, when battery voltage reaches 5.56
volts.

8 to 10 hours are required to fully recharge the batteries. Up to 216,000 characters can
be printed with a fully charged battery pack.

The battery pack will hold charge for 800 to 1000 hours after complete recharge.
Remove the battery pack from the printer battery compartment during long storage or
shipping. Additional battery packs and a 4 pack battery charger are available. The part
numbers and descriptions of these accessories are:

PART # CAPACITY DESCRIPTION

7A100002 700 mAH 700 mAH battery pack
7A100003 800 mAh 800 mAh battery pack
767500 Simultaneous 4 battery pack charger

The Extech AC adapters and their respective specification are listed in section 1.6.1 of
this manual.

Page 14