HellermannTyton TT320SM User Manual

TT320SM

Thermal Transfer Printer

USER GUIDE

i

iii

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of the manufacturer. It is intended solely for the
information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such
proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any
other purpose without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer.

Product Improvements

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of the manufacturer. All specifications and signs
are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

NOTE: 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 the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If 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 to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

• Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE: This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables must
be used with the unit to insure compliance.

“The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufac­turer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.”

Liability Disclaimer

The manufacturer takes steps to assure that its published Engineering specifications and Manuals
are correct; however, errors do occur. The manufacturer reserves the right to correct any such
errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

No Liability for Consequential Damage

In no event shall the manufacturer or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or deliv­ery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interrup­tion, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results
of use of or inability to use such product, even if the manufacturer has been advised of the possi­bility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability
for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

Copyrights

This copyrighted manual and the label printer described her

ein ar

e owned by the manufacturer.

All rights ar

e reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label
printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506).
Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.

©2004 All rights reserved.

iv

Shock Hazard

The printer and power supply should never be operated in a location
where either one can get wet. Personal injury could result.

Media and Ribbon

Always use high-quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive
backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the
exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer,
causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Permanent
damage to the print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it
may be wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to
the print head. Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer. If
labels or ribbon run out while printing, DO NOT turn the power switch
OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may result. After loading new sup­plies, press the feed button to resume printing.

Static Discharge

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of
the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head
or electronic components used in this device. DO NOT TOUCH the print
head or the electronic components under the top cover.

Thermal Printing

The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the
print head and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use
only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance.

v

vi

Introduction

Hello! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

What's in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Inspecting the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Opening the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Closing the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Reporting Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Getting Started

Modes of Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Attaching Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Loading Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . .9

Adjusting the Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Loading Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Ribbon Supply Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the Take-Up Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Attach and Tighten the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Operator Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Feed Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Status Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Media Length Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hooking Up the Printer and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Interface Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

USB Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Parallel Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Ethernet Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Serial Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Communicating with the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

CONTENTS

vii

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications . . . . . . . . .17

Parallel Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Internal Ethernet Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Serial Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Adjusting the Print Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Operation & Options

Thermal Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Replacing Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Adding a New Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . .22

Printing in Peel-Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Printing on Fan-Fold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Using the Cutter Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Maintenance

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Print Head Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Media Path Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Cleaning Card Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Platen Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Replacing the Platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Replacing the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Thermal-Transfer TLP Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Troubleshooting

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Resetting the Factory Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Communications Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Feed Button Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Appendix

Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

P

arallel Interface

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44

Internal Ethernet PrintServer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Serial (RS-232) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

1

INTRODUCTION

This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an overview of
printer parts. This section also has procedures that describe how to open and close the
printer and report any problems.

Hello!

Thank you for choosing a HellermannTyton TT320SM™ printer, a high-quality on­demand printer.

Your printer is a high-quality on-demand printer. The printer provides thermal-transfer
printing (which uses ribbon) and direct-thermal printing. This manual provides all of
the information you will need to operate your printer on a daily basis. To create label
formats, refer to your programming guide. This guide is available by contacting your
distributor or dealer.

NOTE: Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label
preparation software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more informa­tion.

Your printer, when connected to a host computer, functions as a complete system for
printing labels and tags.

2

What's in the Box?

Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store the printer
later. After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the procedures for inspect­ing the printer to familiarize yourself with printer parts so you can follow the instruc­tions in this book.

Documentation

and Warranty

Printer

Power Supply and CordsRibbon Take-Up

Core

Cleaning

Pen

3

Inspecting the Printer

Look at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present.

To access the media compartment, you must open the printer.

Pull the release levers towards you and lift the cover.

Opening the printer

Feed

Button

Status

Light

Power

Switch

Power

Supply

Receptacle

Interface

Connectors

(vary by option)

Release
Latches

4

INSPECTING THE PRINTER (continued)

After opening the printer, check the media compartment.

Supply Hub

Take-Up Hub

Take-Up Gear

Peel-Off Option

Ribbon
Carriage

Tear Bar
Print Head

Cover

Lock

Lock-down

Screw

Ribbon

Sensor

Gap

Sensor

Media

Guides

Platen

Roller

Bar

Roller Sensor

5

Closing the printer

Press down until the cover snaps closed.

Hold the top cover and press the
“kick-stand” cover lock to release.

Lower the top cover. The ribbon
carriage automatically folds up into place.

6

If you discover damage or missing parts:

• Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred during ship­ment of the printer and will not cover the repair of this damage under its
warranty policy.

• Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.

• Notify the authorized reseller

Reporting Damage

7

This section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and use the
most common operating procedures for loading media in tear-off mode and loading
ribbon.

Modes of Printing

You can operate this printer in different modes:

• Standard tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of
labels) after it is printed.

• In optional peel-off mode, the backing material is peeled away from the
label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.

• In optional cutter mode, an attached unit cuts through the media.

The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other
continuous media as well.

For procedures to use optional modes and features, refer to the Operation
and Options section.

GETTING STARTED

8

Attaching Power Supply

Plug

Variesby

Country

AC

Power

Cord

Power

Supply

Power

Switch

Power

Supply

Receptacle

Barrel

Connector

Check the power supply to make certain it is appropriate for your input voltage.

Warning: Use the power supply that came with your printer.

Never operate the printer and power supply in an area where
they can get wet. Serious personal injury could result!

1. Make sure the power switch is in the off position (down).

2. The DC power supply has a barrel connector on one end that must be inserted into
the power supply receptacle on the back of the printer.

3. Insert the separate AC power cord into the power supply.

4. Plug the other end of the cord into an appropriate AC electrical outlet.

9

Loading Roll Media

Placing the Roll in the Media
Compartment

Whether your roll media is inside or out­side wound you load it into the printer
the same way.

1. Open the printer. Remember that you
need to pull the release levers toward
the front of the printer.

2. Remove the outside length of media.
During shipment, the roll may become
dirty when handled or dusty when
stored. Removing the outside length
avoids dragging adhesive or dirty
media between the print head and
platen.

3. Place labels on the optional caddy 5.0.

4. Orient the media roll so that its print­ing surface will be up as it passes over
the platen.

5. Lower the roll between the hangers
and close them onto the core.

When you load media, you must place the roll on the media hangers and then adjust
the media guides. You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require.
When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using rib­bon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects motion
of the supply spindle.

10

The adjustable guides direct the media
toward the platen and print head.

1. Open the media guides by turning
the guide adjuster knob to the rear.

2. Thread the media through the guides.

3. Close the media guides by turning
the guide adjuster knob to the front.
They should just touch, but not
restrict, the edges of the media.

4. Unless you need to load ribbon, close
the top cover. Remember that you
need to release the cover lock, lower
the top cover, and press down until
the latches snap into place.

Adjusting the Guides

11

Loading Ribbon

Install the Ribbon Supply Roll

Before following these steps, prepare the
ribbon by removing its wrapping and
pulling its adhesive strip free.

1. Thread the ribbon through the carriage.

2. Press the right side onto the supply
hub.

3. Align the notches on the left side and
mount onto the spokes of the left hub.

1. Press the right side onto the take-up
hub.

2. Align the notches on the left side and
mount onto the spokes of the left hub.

You can find your first ribbon take-up core
in the packing box. Subsequently, use the
empty supply core to take up the next roll
of ribbon.

Install the Take-Up Core

You must use thermal transfer media (accepts wax and/or resin transferred off a ribbon)
when you use a ribbon. When loading ribbon, you install the supply and take-up rolls,
then tighten the ribbon on the carriage.

12

Attach and Tighten the Ribbon

You must align the ribbon so that it will
be taken straight onto the core.

1. Attach the ribbon to the take up core.
Use the adhesive strip on new rolls;
otherwise, use tape.

2. Turn the ribbon take-up gear counter­clockwise (top moves toward rear) to
remove slack from the ribbon.

3. Close the top cover. Remember that you
need to release the cover lock, lower
the top cover, and press down until the
latches snap into place.

13

Power Switch

Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer.
CAUTION: The power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the com-

munications and power cables.

Feed Button

Forces the printer to feed one blank label.
Takes the printer out of a “pause” condition. (The printer is put into “pause” by either a

programming command or an error condition.) See “What the Status Light is Telling
You” on page 35.

Use the Feed button for printer setup and status (see “Feed Button Modes” on page 42).

Status Light

Functions as a printer operational indicator (see “What the Status Light is Telling You”
on page 35).

Operator Controls

Feed

Button

Status

Light

Power

Switch

14

Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper
working order. You can do this by making the printer measure media and print a status
printout.

Media Length Sensing

After loading media, perform the following
procedure that measures the length of
each label or tag. Make sure the top cover
of the printer is closed.

1. Make sure that printer power is off.

2. Press and hold the feed button.

3. Turn printer power on.

4. When the status light blinks, release the
feed button.

5. The printer advances the media to meas­ure and verify the length of individual
labels or tags. The printer then prints a
status summary and remains in diagnos­tic dump mode.

6. To begin normal operation, tap the feed
button. The printer prints "out of
DUMP" and advances a label.

If the status light remains amber or red or
you cannot get this printout, refer to
Troubleshooting on page 35.

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15

Hooking Up the Printer and Computer

Your printer will have one of two combinations of interfaces:

• Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel and serial

• USB, ethernet, and serial
Each specific interface option—USB, parallel, ethernet, serial—is discussed individually.
You must supply the required interface cable for your application.

CAUTIONS: Keep the power switch in the OFF position when attaching the interface cable.

The power supply barrel connector must be inserted into the power supply
receptacle on the back of the printer before connecting or disconnecting the
communications cables.

This printer complies with FCC “Rules and Regulations,” Part 15, for Class B
Equipment, using fully shielded six-foot data cables. Use of longer cables or
unshielded cables may increase radiated emissions above the Class B limits.

Interface Cable Requirements

Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with metal or metalized
connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and
reception of electrical noise.

To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:
Keep data cables as short as possible (6’ [1.83 m] recommended).
Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.
Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

16

USB Interface Requirements

Universal Serial Bus (version 1.1) provides a high-speed interface that is compatible
with your existing PC hardware. USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy.
Multiple printers can share a single USB port/hub.

Parallel Interface Requirements

The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a standard 36-pin
parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the parallel port located on the
back of the printer. The other end of the parallel interface cable connects to the printer
connector at the host computer. For pinout information, refer to page 44.

Ethernet Interface Requirements

Ethernet provides a powerful networking capability that can be of use in a variety of
internet/intranet printing solutions. After you load media and close the top cover, you
can press the test button next to the connector on the rear of the printer to get an eth­ernet configuration label.

Serial Interface Requirements

The required cable must have a nine-pin “D” type (DB-9P) male connector on one end,
which is plugged into the mating (DB-9S) serial port located on the back of the printer.
The other end of this signal interface cable connects to a serial port at the host comput­er. Depending on the specific interface requirements, this will most likely be a straight­through cable. For pinout information, refer to page 46

17

Communicating with the Printer

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications

The printer is a terminal device when using a universal serial bus interface. You can
refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding this interface.

Parallel Communications

When using the parallel port, typically there is no setup is required once the cable is
plugged in. If you should encounter any problems, consult the user’s guide that came
with your computer.

Internal Ethernet Communications

For details regarding this interface, refer to the ethernet guide from the manufacturer.

18

Serial Communications

Serial communications between the printer and the host computer can be set by the Y
command.

Y Command

Use the serial port setup (Y) command to change the communications settings on the
printer.

1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send

the Y command to change the printer to the desired settings.

2. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.
Refer to the programming guide for more information about this command.

Default the Serial Parameters

The default communications parameters on the printer are 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit. Many utilities, downloaders and programs use these settings.

The following are controlled from the HellermannTyton
TT320SM Printer Driver.

19

Adjusting the Print Width

Print width must be calibrated when you use a roll with a different width from previous
media.

Print width may be set by using the Set Label Width (Q) command (described in the pro­gramming guide).

Adjusting the Print Quality

Print quality is influenced by the heat of the print head, the speed of the media and the
type of media you are using. Only by experimenting will you find the optimal mix for
your application.

If you find that the print darkness needs to be adjusted, refer to the heat density (D)
command (described in the programming guide).

If you find that the print speed needs to be adjusted, refer to the print speed (S) com­mand (described in the programming guide).

The following are controlled from the HellermannTyton
TT320SM Printer Driver.

20

21

The following are controlled from the HellermannTyton
TT320SM Printer Driver.

OPERATIONS & OPTIONS

This section helps you get the most from your printer.
You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. A few examples:

• The Q command (set form length) controls label length.

• The O command (hardware options) has a parameter "D" that changes the printing
mode to direct thermal.

For detailed information about creating labels using page description programming lan­guage, refer to the programming guide.

To improve print quality, changing both print speed and density may be required to
achieve the desired results. Your application’s printer driver provides control of the
speed and heat (density).

Thermal Printing

The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the print head
and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use only the cleaning pen to
perform maintenance.

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human
body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or electronic components
used in this device. You must observe static-safe procedures when working with the
print head or the electronic components under the top cover.

You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing
without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use
thermal transfer media. The printer’s ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spin­dle.

22

Replacing Supplies

If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading
(data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you load a new label or ribbon roll,
press the Feed button to restart .

Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive backed labels are
used that don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label
guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam
the printer. Permanent damage to the print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is
used as it may be wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to
the print head. Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer.

Adding a New Transfer Ribbon

If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the indicator lights red and the printer
waits for you to add a fresh roll.

1. Keep the power on as you change ribbon.

2. Open the top cover, then cut the used ribbon so you can remove the cores.

3. Load a new ribbon roll. If necessary, review the Ribbon Loading steps.

4. Close the top cover.

5. Press the Feed button to restart printing.

Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon

To remove used transfer ribbon, perform the following steps.

1. Cut the ribbon from the take-up roll.

2. Remove the take-up roll and discard used ribbon.

3. Remove the supply roll and tape the end of any fresh ribbon to prevent it from
unwrapping.

When reinstalling a partially used supply roll, tape the cut end onto the empty take-up
roll.

23

The optional dispenser allows you to print
in “peel-mode” where the label backing
follows a different path and the labels are
presented one at a time for subsequent
placement.

1. Remove several labels from the backing
material.

2. Open the top cover.

3. Open the dispenser door.

4. Switch on the label-taken sensor.

5. Insert the backing in front of the peel
bar and behind the peel roller.

6. Close the dispenser door.

7. Close the top cover.

8. Press the Feed button to advance the
label.

During the print job, the printer will peel
off the backing and present a single label.
Take the label from the printer so it will
print the next label.

Peel mode is for use with larger labels.
Smaller labels should be tested for compati­bility with the peel mode prior to running
the print job.

Printing in Peel Mode

24

Printing on fan-fold media requires you to
set both the media hangers and the media
guides in position.

1. With a sample of your media, adjust
the guides to the width of the media.
The guides should just touch, but not
restrict, the edges of the media.

2. Insert the media through the slot at the
rear of the printer.

3. Run the media between the hangers
and guides.

4. Close the top cover.

Printing on Fan-Fold Media

25

26

27

Method

Let the print head to cool for one minute, then use a
new cleaning pen to swab the print elements (the
thin gray line on the print head) from end to end.

NOTE: You do not have to turn off the printer to do this.

If print quality remains poor after cleaning, try the
Save-a-Print Head cleaning film to remove buildup
without damaging the print head. Call your author­ized reseller for more information.

Manually rotate the platen roller. Clean it thoroughly
with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cleaning swab,
cleaning card, or lint-free cloth.

Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.

Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.

Water-dampened cloth
Brush or air blow

Use tweezers to remove scraps

MAINTENANCE

The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.

Interval

As necessary

or after every

five rolls of

media

As needed

Printer Part

Print head

Platen roller

Peel bar

Tear bar

Exterior

Interior

Cutter

28

Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printer components
along the media path including the platen and print head. This build-up can accumulate
dust and debris. Failure to clean the print head, media path and platen roller could
result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams and possible damage to the printer.

Print Head Considerations

Always use a new cleaning pen on the print head (an old pen carries contaminants from
its previous uses that may damage the print head).

Media Path Considerations

Use a cleaning swab or pen to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the
holders, guides and media path surfaces.

1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab or pen to soak the debris so that it breaks up.

2. Wipe the area with the cleaning swab or pen to remove the debris.

3. Discard the cleaning swab or pen after use.

Cleaning Card Considerations

Use a cleaning card to remove debris that has built-up on the platen. Avoid scrubbing or
vigorously rubbing the platen; otherwise, the surface could be damaged.

1. Open the printer and remove labels.

2. Place the cleaning card into the label path so that it is under the guides and it
extends between the print head and platen roller.

3. Close and latch the printer.

4. With the power switch on, press the feed switch to move the cleaning card through
the printer.

5. Discard the card after use.

29

Platen Considerations

The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper and liner
dust can accumulate without effecting print operations. Contaminates on the platen
roller can damage the print head or cause the media to slip when printing. Adhesive,
dirt, general dust, oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the
platen.

Keep a new platen available as a spare and install it whenever the printer has
significantly poorer performance, print quality or media handling. If sticking or
jamming continues even after cleaning, you must replace the platen.

The platen can be cleaned with a fiber-free swab (such as a Texpad swab) or a lint
free, clean, damp cloth very lightly moistened with medical grade alcohol (70% pure
or better).

1. Open the media door and remove the media.

2. Clean the platen surface with the alcohol moistened swab. Rotate the platen while
swabbing. Repeat this process two to three times with a new swab to remove
residual contaminates. Adhesives and oils, for example, may be thinned by the ini­tial cleaning but not completely removed.

3. Discard the cleaning swab or pen after use. Allow the printer to dry for one
minute before loading labels.

Lubrication

No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some commercially
available lubricants, if used, will damage the finish and the mechanical parts inside
the printer.

30

Removal

Open the printer and remove any media.

1. Using a pointed stylus (such as tweez­ers, small slot-head screwdriver, or
razor-knife), unhook the tabs on the
right and left sides. Then rotate them
forward.

2. Lift the platen out of the printer’s
bottom frame.

Assembly

Make sure the right bearing is on the
shaft of the platen.

1. Align the platen with the gear to the
left and lower it into the printer’s
bottom frame.

2. Rotate the tabs back and snap them
into place.

Replacing the Platen

31

In the event you need to replace the print head, read the procedure and review the
removal and installation steps before actually replacing the print head.

Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge. Your work area must be
static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the print­er and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.

NOTE: Turn the printer power off and unplug the power cord before replacing the print
head.

Replacing the Print Head

32

Before following the steps in this pro­cedure, open the printer by pulling the
release latches forward then lifting the
top cover. Remove any ribbon from the
carriage.

Removal

1. Grasp the print head spring and pull
it to the left; then, slide it free of the
carriage.

2. Use the spring to pry the print head
clip off the right side of the carriage.

3. Pull the print head and bracket for­ward.

4. Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove
the screw that holds the ground
wire.

5. Unplug both bundles of print head
wires from their connectors.

Thermal-Transfer TT320SM Model

33

Assembly

The new print head comes with the clip
and ground screw attached.

1. Align the print head and bracket to
plug the left and right connectors into
the black and white wire bundles.

2. Attach the ground wire and secure it
with the screw. Use a #2 Phillips driver
to tighten it.

3. Insert the bracket pegs into the left
side of the carriage.

4. Align the right side of the bracket and
insert the print head clip through the
right side of the ribbon carriage into
the bracket.

5. Slip the left end of the print head
spring into the left side of the ribbon
carriage; then slide the right end into
the other side. The angle of the “V” fits
into the indent on top of the print
head bracket.

6. Clean the print head with the cleaning
pen.

Reload media and ribbon. Plug in the
power cord. Print a status report to
ensure proper function.

Replacing the TT320SM Print Head (Continued)

34

WHAT THE STATUS LIGHT IS TELLING YOU

35

Solution or Reason

1. Check power connection from the A.C. outlet to power
supply to printer.

1. Printer printing (normal operation).

2. Printer paused; ready to receive data (normal operation).

3. Printer paused; waiting for user action (for example, to
take a dispensed label or to tap the feed button).

1. The cover open sensor is active. Press top cover to close
and lock.

2. Printer has a syntax or command error. Check program
and resend print job.

1. Firm download in progress. Indicator lights red, then
green.

2. Signal to begin media length sensing after turning ON
printer. Release the feed button.

1. Media or ribbon is out. Reload a new supply. Press feed
button to continue.

2. Power-up failure. Switch power OFF then back ON.

3. Printer ready to receive flash programming during
firmware download.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Color Status

None off

Green constant

Amber constant

blinking

Red

constant

36

Solution or Reason

1. Check interface cable connections from computer to printer.

2. Make sure top cover is locked closed.

3. Check that labels are correct.

4. Verify media has print surface up for printing.

5. Check that transfer ribbon is correctly routed and has the ink
side out for thermal transfer printing.

6. Printer has a syntax or command error. Check program and
resent print job.

1. Verify that the labels are the correct type (thermal transfer or
direct thermal).

2. Check that the roll is loaded with the thermal side facing up.

3. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

4. Ensure top cover is locked closed.

1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software.

3. Check the media and verify that print surface is facing up.

4. Check that correct thermal media is in use.

1. Perform media length sensing.

2. Label caught on print head.

3. Top cover is not properly latched.

4. Possible software problem. Check the printer memory
configuration. Refer to the programming manual.

1. Perform media length sensing.

2. Possible problem with label stock. Use only approved labels
and tags.

3. Possible label jam.

4. Insufficient memory for label size. Check the printer memory
configuration.

5. Possible software problem. Refer to the programming manual.

Problem

Media does not
advance.

Media moves but
nothing is printed.

Printing is faded
or poor.

Prints only partial
label or skips a
label.

Printing stops and
indicator lights
Amber or Red.

PRINTER OPERATION

MEDIA HANDLING

37

Solution or Reason

Label Dispenser

1. Make sure label-taken sensor is on.

2. The label-taken sensor is blocked or dirty.
Remove any scraps or dust.

3. Continuous media may be set. Verify form length
setting through programming Q command. See
the programming guide.

1. Verify the quantity has been correctly set.

Cutter Operation

1. Verify form length setting through programming

1. Unplug power and interface cables. Use tweezers
to remove scaps from cutter opening.

1. Use programming C command to cycle cutter
several times without media to perform a self­cleaning. See the programming guide.

2. Cutter must be replaced.

Problem

Printing continues between
labels.

Prints one label and then
stops.

Blade cuts through labels
instead of cutting liner
between labels.

Media jammed in cutter.

Blade fails to cut direct
thermal paper or label
liner.

38

Print Quality Problems

No print on the label.

• You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require. When
printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using
ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor
detects motion of the supply spindle.

• Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions in “Loading the Media”
on page 9.

The printed image does not look right.

• The print head is dirty. Clean the print head according to the instructions on
page 33.

• The print head is under temperature.

• Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed. Use the S and D commands in
the programming guide.

• The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use the rec­ommended media for your application, and always use manufacturer­approved labels and tags.

There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on
several labels.

• The print head is dirty. Clean the print head according to the instructions on
page 33.

• The print head elements are damaged. Replace the print head (see “Replacing
the Print Head” on page 32).

39

The printing does not start at the top of the label, or
misprinting of one to three labels.

• The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refer to “Loading
the Media” on page 9.

• The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to “Auto Calibration” on page 13.

A label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.

• Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the feed button.

• If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to “What the Status LED is Telling
You” on page 35.

• Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.

• A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the correct
communications port on the computer is selected. Refer to “Communicating
with the Printer” on page 17.

40

Manual Calibration

Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed media or if the
printer will not correctly auto calibrate.

1. Make sure the printer power is off and that media is loaded.

2. Press and hold the feed button then turn on the printer power.

3. Continue to hold the feed button until the status light LED flashes. Release the feed
button.

4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used. After the
printer is done making this adjustment, the roll will automatically feed until a label
is positioned at the print head.

5. The configuration settings (similar to the example below) will print. Upon comple­tion, the printer will save the new settings in memory and remain in diagnostic
dump mode.

6. Press the feed button. The printer will dispense another label with the message "Out
of DUMP" and be ready for normal operation.

UKQ2933HUV4.28.19

1032

0.9

331

mem:000K,0331Kavl

JFWY
2 07 24
1200 1500

oRO
061016

Serialport:96,N,8,1

Imagebuffersize: K
Fmem:000,0K,06 Kavl
Gmem:000K,0 Kavl
E
I8,0,001rY
S D R0 ,000ZTUN
q Q ,036
Option:

nowinDUMP

outof DUMP

41

Resetting the Factory Default Values

Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the problems.
For troublehooting and to overwrite all stored parameters, send the ^default com­mand.

Communications Diagnostics

If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting
the printer in the communications diagnostics mode. The printer will print the ASCII
characters and their respective hexadecimal values (a sample is shown below) for any
data received from the host computer. To find out how, refer to the power off mode pro­cedure in “Manual Calibration” on page 40.

42

Printer is off.

Cover is open

Labels, tags or fan-fold
forms are loaded.

Continuous media roll
is loaded.

Fresh media has just
been loaded.

Feed Button Modes

Printer is OFF

Tapping or holding the button has no result.

Printer is ON
Tapping or holding the button has no result.
Tap the button once to perform a "form feed."
Hold the button to perform a "continuous feed."

The printer stops at the top of the next form.
Tap the button to perform a "line feed."

The printer stops on the next line.
Hold the button to perform a "continuous feed."

The printer stops at the next line when you release
the button.

Tap the button to advance media. If printer fails to
detect media, the platen stops turning and the sta­tus LED lights Red; if the printer cannot detect a
gap within 11 inches (27.9 cm), the platen stops
turning and the status LED lights Amber.

Printer Condition Feed Button Action

43

Interfaces

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector

The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface.

APPENDIX

Pin Signal

1 Vbus-N/C

2D-

3D+

4 Ground

Shell Shield/

DrainWire

1

2

3

4

For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at:

Http://www.usb.org

44

Parallel Interface

The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer's Centronics
parallel interface.

PRINTER

DB-25

PinNo.

Centronics

PinNo.

MaleDB-25toMaleCentronics(Cable)

HOST

STROBE~

DATA0
DATA1
DATA2
DATA3
DATA4
DATA5
DATA6
DATA7

ACK~

BUSY

PAPERERR.

SELECT

AUTOFD~

ERROR~

N/A
N/A

N/A
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND

STROBE~

DATA0
DATA1
DATA2
DATA3
DATA4
DATA5
DATA6
DATA7

ACK~

BUSY

PAPERERR.

SELECT

AUTOFD~

n/c

SIG.GND

CHASGND

+5V
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND

n/c

ERROR~

SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND
SIG.GND

SIG.GND

n/c
n/c

SELECTIN~

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

45

Internal Ethernet PrintServer

This interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table below
provides the pinout assignments.

Signal Pin Pin Signal
Tx+ 1 1 Tx+
Tx- 2 2 Tx­Rx+ 3 3 Rx+

--- 4 4 ---

--- 5 5 --­Rx- 6 6 Rx-

--- 7 7 ---

--- 8 8 ---

46

Serial (RS-232) Connector

The printer operates as a Data Communication Equipment (DCE) and normally connects
via a standard RS-232 modem cable to a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) such as a com­puter or terminal with a default configuration of 9600 baud, 8 bit data, 1 stop bit and
No parity.

N/C

RxD

TxD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

RI

CTS

PrinterHost

11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
99

DB-9

Pin#

DB-9

Pin#

FemaleDB-9toMaleDB-9

N/C

RxD

TxD

DTR

GND

DSR

RTS

RI

CTS

PrinterHost

18
23
32
420
57
66
74
85
922

DB-25

Pin#

DB-9

Pin#

FemaleDB-25toMaleDB-9

*+5voltsat150mAforexternaldevice(e.g.KDUorscanner)

+5Volts*

TxD

RxD

CTS

GND

RDY

N/C

N/C

RDY

+5Volts*

TxD

RxD

N/C

GND

RDY

N/C

N/C

RDY

HellermannTyton North American Corporate Headquarters

7930 N. Faulkner Rd. P.O. Box 245017
Milwaukee, WI 53224-9517
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

TS16949:2002, ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certified

HellermannTyton Canada

Unit #4, 205 Industrial Parkway North
Aurora, Ontario L4G 4C4 Canada
email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

HellermannTyton Mexico

Anillo Periferico Sur 7980 Edificio 2 - D
Parque Industrial Tecnologico II
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico 45600
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]