Hengstler TS-56 Operating Manual

®

Operating Manual

TwinSide TS™

Thermal Printer Family

Types: TS-56

P/N 0691001

Operating Manual Part No. D 691 023A Version 1.03 Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV

E

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

®

© 2012 by HENGSTLER

Hengstler GmbH has created the text and diagrams contained in this document with care. However,
we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Notification regarding any errors and
suggestions for improvement are welcome. We reserve the right to make technical and/or other
changes at any time in the interest of continual product development or for other reasons.

All information contained in this manual is provided without regard to any possible patent protection.

All rights reserved. Reproduction, translation and/or distribution of this document, or extracts thereof,
are permitted only by express authorization from Hengstler GmbH. “TwinSide TS” is a trademark of
Hengstler GmbH. The Hengstler name and the Hengstler logo are registered trademarks of Hengstler
GmbH and the Danaher Corporation. “Windows” and “Microsoft” are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.

HENGSTLER GmbH

Uhlandstrasse 49
78554 Aldingen / Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
eMail: [e-mail]
www.hengstler.com

HENGSTLER

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Revision

Date

Init

ials Status

Description

HENGSTLER

Document History

1.00 2012 Sept 7 CBL Closed Initial version-general manual

1.01 2012 Sept 11 CBL Closed General manual adapted to P/N 0691001
specifically. Troubleshooting section expanded.
Expanded instructions for closing UPM. Corrected
print speed error in specs. Added jumper in serial
connector.

1.02 2012 Sept 11 CBL Closed Added temperature spec to duty cycle.

1.03 2012 Sept 12 CBL Closed Added ground; clarified jumper in RS-232 wiring;
corrected RTS/CTS; separated pinout into printer
and cable

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HENGSTLER

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 6

1.1. Additional Documentation ....................................................................................................... 7

1.2. List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 7

1.3. Important Information and Safety Instructions ........................................................................ 8

1.4. Systems Specific Safety Instructions and Symbols ................................................................ 8

1.5. General Information ................................................................................................................ 8

2. Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 9

2.1. Overview of Thermal Printing Technology .............................................................................. 9

2.2. Functional Views ................................................................................................................... 10

2.3. Description of Components and Operation ........................................................................... 11

2.4. Location of Controls and Connectors .................................................................................... 12

2.5. Operation of Sensors and LEDs ........................................................................................... 15

2.5.1. Paper Entrance / Black Mark Sensor ............................................................................ 15

2.5.2. Paper Pre-End (Paper Low) Sensor Option .................................................................. 16

2.5.3. LED Indicators ............................................................................................................... 16

2.5.4. UPM Status Sensor ....................................................................................................... 17

2.5.5. Chute Sensor ................................................................................................................ 17

2.6. Graphic Printing vs. Printing with Printer’s Fonts .................................................................. 18

3. Major Options ................................................................................................................................. 19

3.1. Loop Presenter ...................................................................................................................... 19

4. Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................... 20

5. Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 20

5.1. Function ................................................................................................................................. 20

5.2. Mounting the Printer .............................................................................................................. 21

5.3. Paper Guides ........................................................................................................................ 21

5.4. Wiring .................................................................................................................................... 21

5.4.1. Power ............................................................................................................................ 21

5.4.2. Interfacing ...................................................................................................................... 22

5.5. Paper Supply ......................................................................................................................... 23

5.5.1. Designing Your Own Paper Roll Holder ........................................................................ 23

5.6. Power Supply Specifications ................................................................................................. 24

6. Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 24

6.1. Loading Paper ....................................................................................................................... 24

6.2. Upper Print Mechanism Open/Service Position .................................................................... 25

6.3. Paper Advance Wheel .......................................................................................................... 25

6.4. Print Speed ............................................................................................................................ 26

6.5. Cutter Operation .................................................................................................................... 26

6.6. Software Flags ...................................................................................................................... 26

6.7. TwinSide TS™ Digital Tools ................................................................................................. 27

7. Low Current Operation................................................................................................................... 27

7.1. Print Speed ............................................................................................................................ 28

7.2. Graphics/Bar Codes .............................................................................................................. 28

7.3. Reverse Printing .................................................................................................................... 28

7.4. Dot History ............................................................................................................................. 28

7.5. Burn Time Correction ............................................................................................................ 28

7.6. Multi-Strobe Factor ................................................................................................................ 28

7.7. Print Density Adjustment ....................................................................................................... 28

8. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 29

9. Maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 29

10. Repair ........................................................................................................................................ 30

11. Buying Paper ............................................................................................................................. 30

11.1. Sourcing Paper...................................................................................................................... 30

11.2. Converting Paper .................................................................................................................. 30

11.3. Black Mark Sensor Location ................................................................................................. 30

12. Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................ 32

12.1. TS-56 P/N 0691001 Specifications ....................................................................................... 32

12.2. Electromagnetic Compatibility ............................................................................................... 33

12.2.1. FCC Part 15 Class A Device ......................................................................................... 33

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12.2.2. EN55022 – Emissions ................................................................................................... 33

12.2.3. EN55024 – Electromagnetic Susceptibility ................................................................... 33

12.3. Printer Drawings .................................................................................................................... 34

HENGSTLER

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HENGSTLER

1. Introduction

Thank you for selecting the Hengstler TwinSide TS™ thermal printer! We are proud of this feature-rich
product, which provides both the cost-savings and environmental benefits derived from the use of
2ST™ two-sided printing technology. The TwinSide TS™ was designed using our extensive
expertise and experience, and we are confident that you will be pleased with its advanced features
and outstanding performance.

Printing on both sides of the paper offers numerous benefits, such as the ability to enhance your
customer’s specific marketing message by printing end-user-specific advertising, coupons,
promotions, etc. on the unused printout backside. Alternatively, significant cost savings occur when
long printouts are printed partly on the front and partly on the back, decreasing paper usage and
providing a positive environmental impact.

This Operator Manual is designed to help you with the proper installation, connection to your host
computer system and start-up of the TwinSide TS™ thermal printer system. All necessary details will
be explained in the following sections. Please read this manual carefully before using the printer. If
you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The TwinSide TS™ thermal printer family is intended primarily for printing and cutting documents and
receipts from continuous thermal paper. Either single-sided or two-sided (2ST™) thermal paper may
be used. The TwinSide TS™ printers can determine which side of the paper can be printed, and can
configure itself accordingly. The TS-56 version is for narrower paper (49 – 60 mm, with an optional
fixed 54 mm width). Several different paper cutters are available to handle a wide range of paper
stocks up to 250 g/m². Powerful motors allow the use of large paper rolls to maximize time between
paper replenishment. An optional presenter prevents the user from touching the paper until it is cut
from the paper roll, thereby preventing many forms of vandalism. If documents are to be printed on
preprinted forms or with a predetermined length, 'Black Mark' control is available. The horizontal and
vertical print density is 203 dpi so that graphics, such as logos etc. can be printed with good quality.

The TwinSide TS™ printer family has been designed for use in a wide variety of applications,
including ticketing, parking, banking, transit, reverse-vending, kiosk, car wash, fuel dispensing, and
vending applications.

Available in both USB and Serial (RS-232) versions, the TwinSide TS™ printer family is the ideal
solution for many printer applications! Driver software is available that supports the Windows 7, XP
and Linux operating systems. In addition, the printer can also be activated directly in ASCII mode
through ESC sequences; a detailed description of the different commands is contained in the
TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference.

We’re glad you chose the TwinSide TS™ thermal printer family. Once you’ve used it, we’re sure you
will be, too!

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1.1. Additional Documentation

Document No. Description

D 691 010

D 691 024 TwinSide TS™ Paper Specification

D 691 025

D 691 026

D 691 027

D 691 028

D 691 029 TwinSide TS™ Maintenance Instructions

TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set
Reference

TS-56 (w/paper guides) Dimensional Drawing –
Twincut Cutter, with/without presenter
TS-56 (w/paper guides) Dimensional Drawing –
Rotary Cutter, with/without presenter
TS-56 (54 mm) Dimensional Drawing – Twincut
Cutter, with/without presenter
TS-56 (54 mm) Dimensional Drawing – Rotary
Cutter, with/without presenter

1.2. List of Abbreviations

Term Description

2ST™ Patented two-sided thermal technology

Cable side Side of the printer containing the ribbon cable

cpi Characters per inch

cpl Characters per line

dpi Dots per inch

ESD Electrostatic Discharge

Gear side Side of the printer containing the gears

lpi Lines per inch

LPM Lower Print Mechanism

lps Lines per second

MCBF Mean Cycles Between Failure

MTBF Mean Time Between Failure

MTBSC Mean Time Between Service Calls

MTTR Mean Time To Repair

PAW Paper Advance Wheel

PE Paper end

PPE Paper pre-end

pps Pulses per second

PVE Paper pre-end (from German “Papiervorende”)

Step Minimum line-feed distance

TOF TOF- Top of Form

UPM Upper Print Mechanism

UPML Upper Print Mechanism Latch

UPMR Upper Print Mechanism Release

HENGSTLER

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1.3. Important Information and Safety Instructions

Hengstler GmbH accepts no liability for any damages, direct, indirect or consequential, arising
from improper use of this thermal printer, and, in particular, due to non-compliance with this
operating manual or any other available documentation or due to improper handling or
maintenance. Should Hengstler GmbH choose to make technical documentation available,
this does not imply any authorization, implied or stated, for the making additions, repairs or
modifications to this printer.

This documentation may not be copied, nor shall its contents be disclosed or used
commercially unless such use has otherwise been explicitly agreed to by a duly authorized
Hengstler representative in writing.

The user is responsible for proper handling and installation of this printer. The printer should
only be shipped in its original packing.

1.4. Systems Specific Safety Instructions and Symbols

The following symbols on the system and in the manual remind you to follow the
relevant safety instructions:

General warning for cases where the user or a service person may be in danger.

 General notes and hints for operating the system safely.

HENGSTLER

1.5. General Information

Hengstler GmbH accepts no liability for the safe operation of the TwinSide TS™ thermal
printer family unless Hengstler original products are used exclusively and the following
instructions and recommendations are heeded.

Caution: Pinch Hazard!

when open. Care must be taken to avoid accidental injury when the UPM is in the
raised position, and when opening or closing the UPM. Take care to avoid closing

the UPM on your fingers, and from catching any loose hair or clothing in the printer
when closing the UPM. While the UPM has a strong spring detent to hold it in the
open position, it can close rapidly if knocked out of the open detent position. Use
care whenever the UPM is not in the operating position and avoid placing your fingers
inside the printer.

Caution: Burn Hazard!

position, the two thermal printheads are exposed. These printheads can become hot
enough to cause burns in a fraction of a second. Avoid burns by not touching these
printheads with your skin or body! Also, please note that the transfer of oils from your
skin to the thermal printhead when it is touched can shorten the life of the printhead.

If unauthorized persons perform any repairs or modifications to the printer
mechanism and the controller, HENGSTLER will not accept any liability and the
warranty shall be void.

Unapproved types of thermal paper may dramatically reduce the life of the print head
and may cause the guarantee to be voided. For pre-printed thermal paper make sure
that only appropriate inks are used. Detailed can be found in the Hengstler Paper
Specifications document D 691 024.

The UPM of the TwinSide TS-56 represents a pinch hazard

When the UPM of the TwinSide TS-56 is in the open

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The DC power connector must not be plugged in or disconnected under load in order
to avoid damage to the electrical components and the thermal printhead.

Avoid strong vibration, shock and/or impact, since they may damage or destroy
sensitive electronic and mechanical components. Do not touch the surface of the
printer control board in order to prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive
components.

This thermal printer must not be used near high-frequency devices or strong
magnetic fields in order to prevent potential electromagnetic disturbance.

Do not make any attempts to service this printer (e.g. change paper) while the printer
is printing.

Installing or uninstalling the printer must only be done while using appropriate and
adequate ESD protection.

This printer is made from conductive materials, and must be properly grounded to
avoid a static charge from building up on the printed paper and interfering with paper
transport or presentation.

2. Overview

HENGSTLER

2.1. Overview of Thermal Printing Technology

A brief overview of thermal printer technology might be helpful to understand how the
TwinSide TS™ thermal printer family works. In most direct thermal printers, paper is fed over
a soft, rotating platen and under the thermal printhead. The platen acts as a roller to advance
the paper at the same time it acts as a surface against which the spring-loaded printhead
presses the paper to insure good thermal conductivity. Circuitry in the printer determines
which heating elements to activate (“fire” or “burn”) to form the next row of dots on the paper.

The thermal paper is coated with several compounds. At room temperature, these
compounds are white in color and do not react with each other. The heat from the thermal
printhead acts as a catalyst in the areas where the small printhead dots are fired, causing
these compounds to react with each other and form a new compound which is a contrasting
color, usually black. The platen then advances the paper to the position of the next dot row,
and the process is repeated.

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In the TwinSide TS™ family, there are two thermal printheads and two platens. One
printhead is located above the paper, and one is located a short distance away below the
paper. Both printheads print simultaneously as the paper is advanced. This offset creates a
small region on the back of the printout where printing is not possible. Printout designs
should be created according.

You may note immediately several of the advantages of thermal printing. First, since the
printing is done with heat, there is no noise from the printing process itself. Thermal printing
is inherently quiet compared to most other technologies, such as impact dot matrix. Also,
there are only two moving elements in a two-sided thermal printer: the platens. This provides
increased reliability and life when compared to other technologies.

2.2. Functional Views

HENGSTLER

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Figure 1

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

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HENGSTLER

Figure 1a

2.3. Description of Components and Operation

There are several key components or modules to the TwinSide TS™ family of thermal
printers. (Please refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 1a.) The thermal printheads (not shown) are
positioned above their respective platens. The platens acts as rollers to advance the paper at
the same time they act as a surface against which the spring-loaded printhead presses the
paper to insure good thermal conductivity. The interface, motor used to turn the platen (not
visible in Fig. 1), sensors, printhead, and paper cutter are all connected to the controller,
which sends commands and causes these components to function at the proper time. The
cutter separates the paper from the paper roll when instructed to do so. Several sensors
monitor progress as the printed document is created. All these items are mounted in a
conductive plastic housing to discharge any static and to provide electrical noise shielding.

The paper chute is a short chute protruding from the front of the printer. It snaps in and out
without tools when the printer is not equipped with the optional presenter. The paper chute
should be present for most normal printing applications, but it should be removed for
applications where the printed document is expected to fall freely into a chute or other
pathway. In these cases, the chute may interfere with the free fall of the printed document.
Please note that the chute sensor is located just before the chute, so removing the chute
does not interfere with the chute sensor.

When paper is inserted, the entrance sensor detects its presence and signals the controller.
The controller causes the paper advance motor to turn the platens to draw paper into the
printer. As the paper reaches the first platen, it is pulled under the first , and then the second,
printhead. The paper continues to advance and enters the paper cutter, where it passes
between the cutter blades and into the presenter, passing over the presenter entry sensor.
This signals the printer as to the location of the paper end. The paper is then reversed to the
park position. If the Coating Side detector is enabled by the configuration settings, the
TwinSide TS-56 then attempts, by default, to print a small black mark on both sides of the
paper. It then reverses the paper and sensors detect these printed marks. From this
information, the printer determines whether 2ST™ or one-sided paper is installed, and, if one
sided, which side can be printed. If the Coating Side detector is disabled, this step will be
skipped. User printing can now begin. After paper loading, the printer will not reverse the
paper except when a printer reset command is issued. This is done to minimize possible

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contamination of the platens. Once printing is completed, the paper is advanced and a
command sent to the cutter to cut off and present the printout. The paper then remains at the
cutter position awaiting the next printout.

When the printer runs out of paper, the entrance sensor detects the fact. The controller then
immediately stops printing and backs the paper up so it protrudes from the back of the printer.
This is to allow the operator to raise the UPM, remove the partially printed document, and
lower the UPM before loading a new roll of paper. If this were not done, it would be possible
for short pieces of paper to remain in the paper path without the operator’s knowledge,
eventually causing an obstruction and a paper jam.

The presenter sensors continually monitors whether there is paper in the presenter, and can
be read via the Status function. Please see the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set
Reference D 691 010 for details. This function is sometimes used in conjunction with the
host’s peripherals to signal the user when a printout is not taken, or to initiate a retract
command that will draw the printout back into the printer and deposit it in a reject bin.

Additionally, the presenter entry sensor is optionally monitored while first printing after a cut.
After a cut, the printer “knows” where the end of the paper is. As printing takes place, the
printer also “knows” how many paper advance steps have been made, and approximately
when the end of the paper should reach the chute sensor. If the paper does not reach the
sensor when expected, the printer assumes that a paper jam has taken place and signals this
fact via the Status command.

2.4. Location of Controls and Connectors

Please see Figures 2 through 5 below for the location of connectors, indicators and controls
on the TwinSide TS™ series. Figure 2 shows a gear-side view of a TS-56 without presenter,
while Figure 3 shows the same printer with the upper print mechanism (UPM) in the open, or
service, position. In both images, the gears protected by a cover. Figure 4 shows the
opposite, cable-side view of the printer. Figure 5 details the electrical connections to the
printer. Please note that, while P/N 0691001 comes equipped with a presenter, these figures
point out features that are common between presenter-equipped models and those without
presenter.

HENGSTLER

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HENGSTLER

Figure 2

Figure 2a

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HENGSTLER

Figure 3

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Figure 4

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HENGSTLER

Figure 5

2.5. Operation of Sensors and LEDs

2.5.1. Paper Entrance / Black Mark Sensor

There is a sensor in the paper entrance area that serves several functions. First, it
detects paper during paper loading and signals the printer to begin the paper auto­loading function. Similarly, when the printer is out of paper, this sensor detects the
fact and signals the printer accordingly.

The same sensor is also used to detect Black Marks, when the printer is so equipped.
Black Marks are blackened areas preprinted on the paper during the converting
process. They are generally used, in conjunction with appropriate printer commands,
to advance the paper to a specific position after each print job. One common reason
for this is to so that preprinted information is properly located with respect to
information printed by the printer itself, for example, printing inside a preprinted box.
Black marks can be located on either the front or the back of the paper, depending
upon the location of the sensor.

The TwinSide TS™ series of printers is designed to allow for several Paper
Entrance/Black Mark sensor locations during manufacturing. (The location of this
sensor cannot be changed once the printer is built.) Also, two different sensor types
can be used. The most common is the reflex or reflective sensor, where the light
source and detector are located on a single chip. Basically, the light strikes the white
paper surface and reflects back into the sensor. If enough light reflects to activate the
sensor, the printer concludes that paper is present. If there is not enough light
reflected, the printer assumes that this area is black, meaning the printer is on a black
mark or the printer is out of paper. There are six (6) different possible positions for
this sensor in the TS-56. Half of these positions sense the coated side of the paper,
while the other half sense the back of the paper. The positions of these sensors are
detailed in the “Black Mark Sensor” portion of this document.

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2.5.2. Paper Pre-End (Paper Low) Sensor Option

When ordered with the Paper Pre-End Sensor option, the TwinSide TS™ will be
shipped with a paper pre-end sensor to be mounted by the customer. The sensor is
a reflex type, meaning that it senses paper by bouncing light off the paper and
detecting its reflection. The sensor is equipped with a 300 mm long cable to allow
flexible mounting by the customer, and the sensor itself is mounted on a small printed
circuit board with a hole to be used for mounting it. Simply mount the sensor where it
will detect paper low (it is often mounted facing the side of the paper roll, so that as
the diameter of the paper roll decreases, it eventually loses the reflection of the light
and changes state), and plug the PPE sensor into the PPE connector on the control
board (see Fig. 5). While the exact distance of the sensor from the paper varies
based on the specific mechanical setup, it is typically 2-5 mm for optimal sensing.
Figure 6 below is the input circuit to the PPE (Paper Pre-End, or Paper Low) input.

The sensor connector adjacent to the PPE sensor, labeled “AUX” in Fig. 5, is for an
Auxiliary Sensor. This sensor can be mounted as desired by the customer. The
status of this sensor will be reported when the TwinSide TS™ status is requested via
the interface.

Figure 6 shows the input circuit for these sensor connectors. (Fig. 6 represents the
circuit for either the PPE or Auxiliary Sensor; these two inputs are wired identically.)
The PPE (Paper Low) Sensor connector is designated CN6, while the Auxiliary
Sensor connector is CN18.

HENGSTLER

+5V

33K

Signal

Input

+5V

33

180

Ω

Ω

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

PPE / Paper
Low Conn.

CN6

or

Auxiliary

Conn. CN18

Figure 6

2.5.3. LED Indicators

There are two LED indicators in the TwinSide TS™ series printers, located as shown
in Fig. 5. One LED is red, and the other is green. These LEDs are used to signal
certain status information concerning the TwinSide TS™ printer. The following is a
partial listing of the information supplied. However, for the most complete information
about printer status, we strongly recommend the use of the Hengstler TS-56 tools,
which are supplied as part of the Windows driver package.

There are several flashing speeds used in the TwinSide TS™ printer LEDs. These
are 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 10 Hz, and flickering (F).

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Green LED Red LED Meaning

Normal operations (such as paper loaded, out of paper, printing, cutting, presenting)

Flicker Flicker Data upload in progress (fonts, images, firmware, but not
normal data communication)
10 Hz Off Out of paper
2 Hz Off Motor on/Printing
1 Hz Off Ready to print

Operating failures (such as paper jam, cutter jam, presenter jam, printer jam, etc.)

F0F On Printhead raised, printer stalled or over-voltage. (Green
LED will flicker, then go off for one second, then flicker
and repeat.)
F1F On Paper error. (Green LED will flicker, then go off for
one second, on for one second, off for one second,
then flicker again and repeat.)
F2F On Cutter error. (Same pattern as above, but off, on, off,
on, off.)
F3F On Presenter error. (Same pattern as above, but off, on, off,
on, off, on, off.)

System failures (These should never occur in normal operation.)

F0F F0F Undefined initialization error
F1F F1F Board type determination failed during initialization
F2F F2F SDRAM failure detected during initialization
Off On Unintended processor halt during boot phase
On On Unintended processor halt during initialization

Please note that much more detailed information concerning the printer’s current
state can be obtained by requesting the printer’s status via the interface, or via one of
the software tools provided with the Windows driver. Please refer to the TwinSide
TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference D 691 010 for details.

HENGSTLER

2.5.4. UPM Status Sensor

An additional sensor detects the status of the UPM, and is used to determine whether
the UPM is in the up, or “service” position (do not print) or down (ready to print)
position. Normally, most of the heat generated by thermal printing is transferred to
the paper being printed and is removed from the printer as the paper advances.
When the UPM is in the service position, the printheads are not in contact with the
paper, and no heat is being transferred to the paper. Therefore, most of the heat
remains in the individual dots, allowing them to overheat if activated repeatedly.
Because this may cause permanent damage to the printer, the TwinSide TS™
firmware will prevent printing or paper loading if the head is up.

WARNING! POTENTIAL BURN HAZARD!

Status Sensor can be intentionally manually overridden. If this is done, then there is
a possibility that the printheads can heat while the UPM is open. This represents a
burn hazard that should be avoided! Never override the UPM status sensor, and
never touch the thermal printheads directly.

The status of this sensor is also available through the Query function. See the
TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference D 691 010 for details on
determining the UPM position and the printhead temperature.

It is important to note that the UPM

2.5.5. Chute Sensor

The TwinSide TS-56 chute sensor continually monitors whether there is paper in the
chute, and can be read via the Status function. (Please see the TwinSide TS™
Emulation Command Set Reference D 691 010 for details.) This function is often
used in conjunction with the host’s peripherals to signal the user when a printout is
not taken. Examples where this is important include when the information is

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confidential, or the printout can be redeemed for cash or items of value. This function
can also be used to prevent the host from sending a new print job until the printout
from the previous print job has been removed.

Additionally, the chute sensor is monitored while first printing after a cut. After a cut,
the printer “knows” where the end of the paper is. As printing takes place, the printer
also “knows” how many paper advance steps have been made, and approximately
when the end of the paper should reach the chute sensor. If the paper does not
reach the sensor when expected, the printer assumes that a paper jam has taken
place and signals this fact via the Status command.

Please note that the chute sensor is not used when the printer is supplied equipped
with a presenter. In this case, the presenter entry sensor serves a similar function,
plus provides additional functionality related to the presenter.

2.6. Graphic Printing vs. Printing with Printer’s Fonts

One area that causes frequent confusion with regard to printers in general is that of graphic
printing versus printing using the printer’s internal fonts. An explanation here may help clarify
this and make application of the TwinSide TS™ easier for you.

All printers contain a set of commands that will cause the printer to perform different
functions. (For the TwinSide TS™ family of thermal printers, these commands are
documented in the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference, P/N D 691 010.) The
functions are very diverse and there are no standards for what these functions may be. This
allows printer manufacturers to innovate and build unique features into their products. These
commands are often referred to as the printer’s “Native Commands”.

A printer’s Native Commands are of many different types, but a few are of particular interest
to us here. One is the family of commands for printing graphics. It is these commands that
allow pictures and other graphic images of any type to be printed.

Another family of commands of interest to us here is the text commands. These commands
involve printing text in response to ASCII data sent to the printer. The printer itself contains
one or more character sets. In these character sets, one printable character corresponds to
one ASCII character. There are also commands for positioning and modifying the printout
from these character sets, such as tab and indent commands and commands to enlarge the
internal character set by some factor.

When printing from the internal character sets (we’ll call that “ASCII printing” here for
convenience), characters are sent to the printer and the corresponding characters from the
character set are printed. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest
advantage is that the host need only send one character per printed character. So if 40
characters are being printed on a line, for example, only 40 bytes of data (plus any overhead
for formatting, indenting, etc.) need be transmitted over the interface. In other words, you can
print a lot of text and need send only a little data. The downside is a lack of flexibility. In
today’s Windows® world, we are all used to printing exactly what we see on our computer
screens, in the same font, size, etc. as we see it. But with ASCII printing, what will be printed
will be based on the printer’s internal character set.

The other type of printing we’ll call “Graphic printing”. This is what happens when you print to
an ink jet or laser printer from your PC. The information displayed on the screen is sent to a
print driver. This print driver, which is unique for each printer, translates what is on the screen
as a graphic into graphic Native Commands to be sent to the printer.

through a print driver prints as graphics

to transmit ASCII. In our 40 character example, assuming a 12 x 20 pixel character, the
Hengstler TS-56 printer would require 1,600 bytes to print one line. (Please note that these
are estimates, and that various compression routines also impact the print speed.)

HENGSTLER

Everything printed

. It takes a lot more data to transmit graphics than

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The advantage of Graphic printing, then, is the ability to print anything; pictures, text, photos,
etc. exactly as you see it on your screen. The disadvantage is that to do so, much more data
(40 times as much data in our example) must be sent over the interface.

As a practical matter, then, it comes down to this. If you are doing ASCII printing, you can
use USB or a serial interface. Both are fast enough to handle the smaller amount of data
being sent. But if you are doing Graphic printing, USB is a far better choice due to its higher
speed, and serial may increase the time to complete a printout to an unacceptably long
period.

3. Major Options

3.1. Loop Presenter

The TS-56 is available with an optional loop presenter with retract function. Please note that
the presenter is standard for P/N 0691001. The loop presenter (see Fig. 1a) prevents a user
from touching the printed paper until after it is severed from the paper roll. The paper is then
presented out the front of the presenter to the user. If so configured, the presenter can
retract/reject the paper if it has not been taken, either by command or based on elapsed time.

Figure 7a Figure 7b

Figure 7a shows the loop presenter before paper reaches it. The presenter flap is essentially
horizontal, held in position by a spring. Fig. 7b shows the presenter after the loop, (from
which this type of presenter gets its name), has formed. The TwinSide TS™ presenter forms
its loop upward. Please note that your design must allow space for this loop. If inadequate
space is allowed, the loop may catch on protuberances inside your housing and cause a
paper jam. The amount of space required depends upon the length of your printout. When
using the loop presenter, the minimum printout length depends upon the Pre-print Mode
setting. If the Pre-Print Mode is set to disabled, the minimum ticket length is 97 mm. If the
Pre-Print Mode is set to “Pre-Print Header”, then the minimum length is 111 mm. The
maximum printout length is approximately 350 mm, but this depends upon the ability of the
paper loop to support itself, which is dependent upon the paper weight. We recommend that
you test with your actual paper before finalizing a design based on this length.

HENGSTLER

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Figure 7c Figure 7d

Figure 7c shows the printout as it exits the presenter. Figure 7d shows the printout coming
out of the bottom of the printer after it has been retracted/rejected. Allowances in your design
must also be made for an area to store the retracted/rejected printouts. This is important
because this feature is most often used to protect confidential data, or to keep untaken
printouts from littering the floor. In both cases, they must be securely stored internal to your
enclosure until they are disposed of by those responsible for maintenance of your system.

Two sensors are used in the TwinSide TS™ presenter. The first is just outside the cutter, and
performs multiple functions, including detection of paper during paper loading, detection of
paper during printing, and the detection of retracted/rejected printouts. The second sensor is
located just inside the chute. Care must be taken in the design to avoid exposing this sensor
to strong light, particularly direct sunlight caused by a setting sun. If necessary, a shroud or
cover should be used to shade this sensor.

Please note that a small protrusion on the top of the presenter flap allows the user lift the flap.
This flap should be used in the unlikely event of a paper jam in the presenter itself.

HENGSTLER

4. Unpacking

Care should be taken when unpacking your TwinSide TS™ printer to preserve the packing
material for possible future use. TwinSide TS™ packing is specifically designed to protect the
printer from damage in the harsh environment of trucks and aircraft. Please be sure to use
this packing if it ever becomes necessary to reship your TwinSide TS™ unit.

5. Installation

5.1. Function

Please note that the TwinSide TS™ printer is a module designed to be integrated into a
system and to be operated only as a part of that system, for example, in a kiosk. All technical
specifications and instructions contained in this manual and related documentation must be
considered and complied with in order to achieve successful operation in the completed
system.

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5.2. Mounting the Printer

The TwinSide TS™ printer is built with four M4 threaded mounting holes for mounting from
below, and four M4 threaded mounting holes for mounting from the side. These holes are
machined into threaded inserts, and the inserts pressed into reinforced openings which are
part of the plastic frame.

NOTE:

Maximum penetration of the mounting screws into these inserts is 8 mm. Penetration

by more than 8 mm can interfere with printer operation and may damage the printer.

The hole layouts (viewed from above the printer) for mounting the TS-56 with screws from
underneath are shown below. Please refer to the drawings specified in section 1.1 for more
detailed dimensions and mounting hole locations for mounting from the side.

HENGSTLER

Figure 8a – TS-56 bottom Figure 8b – TS-56 side

5.3. Paper Guides

P/N 0691001 is a 54 mm wide model of the TS-56 and does not come with separate paepr
guides. Instead, these guides are molded into the housing. No adjustment is necessary or
possible.

5.4. Wiring

5.4.1. Power

Power is connected to the TwinSide TS™ thermal printer via a JST connector. The
connector consists of a JST VHR-4N shell and two SVH-21T-P1.1 contacts. Wiring is
as follows:

Pin Function

1 Ground (0 VDC)

2 Ground (0 VDC)
3 24 VDC (+)
4 24 VDC (+)

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Figure 10

5.4.2. Interfacing

Serial RS-232

The printer is shipped with the following serial settings as default: 115,200 baud, 8
data bits, one stop bit, no parity, hardware flow control, and host transmission not
blocked. (This last feature is intended for use with lower sophistication hosts that
cannot read the TwinSide TS™ printer’s status data. It uses the hardware
handshake lines to prevent the host from sending more data if the printer registers
“paper out”.)

The serial versions of the TwinSide TS™ printer use an RJ12 connector (the female
connector is mounted in the printer, and the male in the cable) to make the RS-232
connection. Arrows represent whether the printer sends or receives the signal.

Serial Pinout of TwinSide TS™ Printer

TS-56 RJ12F

Function Pin #

TX 1
RX 2
RTS 3
CTS 4
No conn. 5
Sig. Gnd. 6

Hengstler can provide a serial cable for direct connection to PCs with a DB-9 female
connector on one end. Connections are shown below, should you wish to make your
own cables.

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Data Cable Pin Connections to PC with DB9M

Data Cable RJ12M Data Cable DB9F
(Printer Side) (PC Side)

Pin # Pin #

1 2
2 3
3 8
4 7
6 5
4 (jumpered to pin 6)
6 (jumpered to pin 4)

5.5. Paper Supply

5.5.1. Designing Your Own Paper Roll Holder

It is sometimes desirable for customers to design their own paper roll holder in order
to fit in the available space, or to tailor performance to their specific needs. Based on
our extensive experience in designing printers, we would urge you to consider the
following topics and implement your design with care.

Large Diameter Rolls:

buffer” or “dancer bar” should be considered. This usually takes the form of a spring­loaded arm under which the paper is placed before feeding it into the printer. As the
printer starts to print, slack is taken up from the paper roll. This starts to lift the arm
against the spring, which puts force on the paper roll and starts it moving slowly. As
more printing takes place the roll gradually accelerates until it’s up to printing speed.
Without the dancer bar, slack paper would be taken up until it was suddenly no longer
slack. Now the printer must accelerate a large, heavy paper roll from zero speed to
full print speed in essentially no time. This usually causes the paper advance motor
to stall or the paper to slip against the platen, causing shortened characters until the
paper roll is up to speed.

Spindle Friction:

rotates, it slides against the spindle that holds it, assuming a fixed spindle. This
friction will tend to impede the paper roll’s free motion, and is dependent upon the
weight of the roll, the smoothness and material of the spindle, and the smoothness
and material of the paper core. When possible, especially with paper rolls over 150
mm in diameter, design the spindle so that it can rotate, greatly decreasing friction
and drag.

Catch Points:

than any other issue. Make sure that the paper path is free of anything that can
interfere with free paper flow, especially any sharp edges or “pinch points” into which
the paper may stray and become caught.

Alignment:

all planes. If the paper is angled in any way, it will enter the printer at an angle and
will be more likely to cause paper jams.

Rigidity:

move. This is especially true in high-speed printing applications and in large diameter
paper roll applications. Many paper roll holders are made from metal too thin to
support the heavy paper rolls they are expected to handle. This results in twisting
and warpage while printing, which binds the paper and causes paper jams. Vibration
during printing may also cause undesired movement of the paper roll.

More paper jams and transport problems are caused by catch points

Any paper roll holder design must hold the paper square to the printer in

It is important that the paper roll holder support the paper firmly and not

When using paper rolls over 150 mm in diameter, a “spring

Another important consideration is spindle friction. As a paper roll

HENGSTLER

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Black Coverage (%)

DC Current (average)

HENGSTLER

Shipment:

holder. The heavy weight of the paper roll can easily bend or otherwise damage the
paper roll holder, as witnessed numerous times.

Do not ship your product with a paper roll mounted in the paper roll

5.6. Power Supply Specifications

Selection of a power supply for thermal printers depends upon the printer’s application, what
percentage of the printout is black, frequency with which printouts are generated, and more.
In particular, thermal printers draw very high currents for very short time periods (usually
under one millisecond). The most important issue is not peak current, but the length of time
that the power supply is able to deliver instantaneous current over its rated maximum, and for
how long the print job prints high black percentages, thereby drawing high current. It is
important that the power supply’s over-current system does not shut down the power supply
when these brief, high current surges occur.

Average current consumption depends upon print speed, burn time setting (to achieve darker
printouts) and the percentage of black being printed on the paper. While the voltage, hold up
time and current limitation are the same for different values, the nominal DC average current
varies. Based on tests of various percentages of black printing, we recommend the following
power supply specifications for most 24 VDC applications. These are not absolute values,
but a starting point. We recommend that you test any power supply you plan to use while
printing your actual printout before deploying it. Please note that the 100% value is included
as a reference point only; continuously printing solid black will quickly overheat the printhead
and may damage the printer. Please see the “Technical Specifications” section near the end
of this document for full details on the various voltages available.

Power Supply Specifications
DC Output Voltage:
Hold Up Time:
Current Limitations:

24 volts ± 5%

20 ms minimum

30 amperes minimum current limit

12.5% (typical text only) 2.4 amps
25% (typical text/graphic barcode mix) 4.1 amps
50% 6.6 amps
75% 8.6 amps
100% (solid black) 11.0 amps

6. Operation

6.1. Loading Paper

Make sure that the paper you will use is approved Hengstler paper for use with the TwinSide
TS™ printer. (Please refer to document D 691 024 for detailed specifications.)

The TwinSide TS™ series of thermal printers automatically loads paper when it is inserted.
First, make sure that the UPM is in the “closed” position by pressing on flat metal surface
immediately in front of the UPM Release. (See Fig. 11.) After closing, push the UPM
Release (see Fig. 2) fully forward to ensure the UPM is fully closed. You should hear a faint
click as the UPM microswitch activates, signaling the controller that the UPM is closed. Then
insert the paper into the paper opening in the rear. You will hear the paper feed motor start to
run as soon as the paper detection sensor is reached. Continue to feed the paper until the
platen grasps it and pulls it into the printer.

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Figure 11

The TwinSide TS-56 thermal printer family is designed to use paper with the curl from the
paper roll oriented down. This is important as the printer is optimized to minimize paper
handling issues when the curl is down.

The TwinSide TS-56 can use double-sided 2ST™ paper, or single-sided thermal paper
coated on either side. A sensor system in the printer will automatically detect which side of
the paper can be printed while paper is being loaded, and, (depending upon print settings),
will automatically select the coated sides on which to print.

Please note that the TwinSide TS™ thermal printer family will, unless specifically configured
not to do so, print an Information Report immediately when paper is loaded. This short report
is extremely helpful during setup and configuration of the TwinSide TS™ printer. This report
contains detailed information, some of it encoded, concerning the printer itself and its
features, the firmware installed, the status of information in the flash memory, and the
numerous settings that configure the printer itself.

One example of how this report can be used involves the serial version of the TwinSide TS™
printer family. If you wish to verify the current serial settings (baud rate, stop bits, parity, etc.),
simply remove and reinsert the paper. This information is printed as part of the Printer
Information report. Please note that many of the software tools supplied with the TwinSide
TS™ driver also allow this report to be printed without removing the paper. Simply click on
the “Print Info” button.

6.2. Upper Print Mechanism Open/Service Position

The UPM can be placed in an Open/Service position for cleaning and other maintenance
functions. (See Fig. 3.) To place the UPM in this position, simply slide the UPM Release
towards the rear of the printer until the UPM Latch is free and tilt the UPM upward. Close the
UPM by lowering it gently by the UPM Release, and then pressing downward on the metal
area (see Fig. 11) until the UPM snaps shut. After closing, push the UPM Release (see Fig.

2) fully forward to ensure the UPM is completely closed. You should hear a faint click as the
UPM microswitch activates, signaling the controller that the UPM is closed. The printer UPM
must be fully closed for printing to take place.

Leaving the printhead in contact with the platen for a long period of time without paper under
the printhead may cause a temporary indentation in the platen, which can result in initial
feeding difficulties. If this occurs, open the UPM, close it, and reload the paper.

6.3. Paper Advance Wheel

The TwinSide TS™ family of printers is equipped with a Paper Advance Wheel to make it
simple to manually advance paper when needed. (See Fig. 5.) Rotating this wheel
counterclockwise (the direction labeled “Paper In” on the wheel) will draw paper in from the
paper supply at the rear of the printer. Rotating the wheel clockwise (the direction labeled
“Paper Out” on the wheel) will cause paper to back out of the rear of the printer.

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6.4. Print Speed

Print speed is affected by many factors, including the operating voltage. The quickest print
speed occurs with a 24 volt power supply. Other significant factors affecting print speed
include:

•

Type of interface / ASCII printing vs. Graphics printing

•

Data transmission rate (serial)

•

Density settings

•

Dot history factor

•

Burn time correction setting

•

Multi-strobe factor

6.5. Cutter Operation

The cutters used in the TwinSide TS™ series printer P/N 0691001 are Twincut guillotine
types. These are motor driven and use internal cam action to provide feedback as to when
the cutter has returned to its home position. Technical specification sheets on standard
versions of the cutters themselves are available upon request from Hengstler.

Please note that the cutter blades can be manually moved without removing the cutter cover.
Simply insert a small, flat bladed screwdriver in the screw slot located in the area circled in
Fig. 12, and turn. This will manually turn the motor, moving the blades. This is useful in
clearing paper jams.

Please be sure to remove power from the printer before moving the cutter blades, and keep
your fingers clear of the blades themselves.

HENGSTLER

6.6. Software Flags

The TwinSide TS-56 generates several software flags which should be considered in the
design of the complete system. When these flags occur, some action must be taken by the
host system and/or by an operator. These include the following:

Over Temperature Flag:

maximum temperature rating. While short duration temperature excursions only slightly over
the maximum rated printhead temperature are unlikely to cause problems, prolonged excess
temperatures will probably shorten printhead life. In the system design, it is important to
monitor this flag and react to it by stopping printing if the flag becomes active and stays that

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 26 of 34

Figure 12

When this flag occurs, the thermal printhead has exceeded its

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

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way for any significant length of time. Since all applications are different, and nuisance
tripping can be an issue in some applications, the exact reaction to this flag is left to the
designer.

Contamination Flag:

sensors in the TwinSide TS-56 start to become obscured, a Contamination Flag will be set.
This means that the printer should be cleaned. It is not necessary to stop printing, but
depending upon the application, an alert message should be displayed somewhere indicating
that cleaning maintenance should be performed. Please refer to document D 691 029 for
details of how to clean the TwinSide TS-56.

If the platens that move the paper become contaminated, or if the

6.7. TwinSide TS™ Digital Tools

The TwinSide TS™ family of thermal printers includes with the Windows XP/7 driver a series
of very useful tools. These can be run directly from the Tools folder of the driver package
once the driver has been installed. A brief summary of these tools is as follows.

TwinSide TS™ Command Tool:

printer. You can use this tool to design your printout.

TwinSide TS™ Configuration Tool:

any variable setting or performance characteristic of your TwinSide TS™ printer.

TwinSide TS™ Diagnostic Tool:

printer, its peripherals and firmware.

TwinSide TS™ Image Tool:

from standard format graphic files so they can be uploaded as stored images.

TwinSide TS™ Print Monitor Info Tool:

monitor Ts-PrintMon.dll through the Windows Registry value “…TwinSide­DRIVER\TWINSIDE-PM-PRINT-MON-INFO”.

TwinSide TS™ Print Terminal:

has six sets of 24 buttons each, most of them preprogrammed to transmit commands to your
TwinSide TS™ printer. All buttons are programmable to make them transmit whatever is
needed. This tool is very popular with software developers who are integrating the TwinSide
TS™ into their products.

TwinSide TS™ UniFont Converter:

public use under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 See the TwinSide TS™
Windows driver package for details of this license and related obligations under the license.

TwinSide TS™ Uninstaller Tool:

TwinSide TS™ driver.

TwinSide TS™ Upload Tool:

flash area of your TwinSide TS™ printer.

This very helpful tool creates TwinSide TS™ format graphic files

HENGSTLER

Very useful tool for sending Native Commands to the

A very important tool that allows you to change virtually

A useful tool for identifying possible issues with your

Shows information that is supplied by the print

Possibly the most useful tool of the bunch, the Print Terminal

Creates an uploadable font file from fonts licensed for

Use this tool to uninstall single or all versions of the

Used to upload new firmware, specific data files, etc. to the

7. Low Current Operation

There are numerous factors that affect thermal printer current. It is possible to manipulate these
factors consciously to reduce current draw for situations where this is important, such as operating
from batteries. If battery operation only occurs when power has failed, the host software can be
programmed to print at a faster, higher current rate during normal operation and then switch the
TwinSide TS™ to a lower current mode when the system switches to battery operation. The following
are some considerations to aid in reducing current draw.

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7.1. Print Speed

With thermal printers, average current is proportional to print speed. Since the burn time for
each dot row is fixed, when printing slower there is more pause between burns and therefore
a lower average current. (The peak current is determined by the number of dots burned at
once, and so is unaffected by print speed.) The TwinSide TS™ target print speed (called the
“target speed” because other settings may cause the actual print speed to be lower than this)
can be set via the interface; please refer to the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set
Reference for the specific command sequence. The slower this print speed is, the lower the
average current draw will be. Note that when using the TwinSide TS™ Windows XP driver,
the driver will override settings sent to the printer directly via the interface.

7.2. Graphics/Bar Codes

Printing graphics rather than text consumes more current than printing only text. Typical text­only printing is considered to be 12.5% coverage on average, while graphic printing varies
from 25% to 50% average, consuming 2X to 4X the average current. Printing bar codes is in
the same category, and draws about 4X the current of text. Both should be avoided or
minimized to reduce current draw. In terms of current draw, it does not matter whether
printing is done using the printer’s internal character set or the via the driver.

7.3. Reverse Printing

Reverse printing should be avoided, since everything that’s normally black becomes white,
and vice-versa, drawing (in average text) about 8 times the current.

HENGSTLER

7.4. Dot History

Dot history monitors previously burned dots and reheats them for a shorter time to prevent
blooming and excessively black areas, thereby decreasing total current consumption. Using
dot history and minimizing the main burn time will reduce average current draw. Please refer
to the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference for the specific command
sequence.

7.5. Burn Time Correction

The TwinSide TS™ family of printers include a feature that will adjust burn time automatically
depending upon ambient temperature. Burn Time Correction allows the adjustment of these
burn times to “tune” the printer to maximum performance for any given paper, thereby
improving print quality but having little effect on current consumption. If current draw is truly
critical, reducing these values will reduce current slightly at the cost of lower contrast in the
printout. Please refer to the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference for the
specific command sequence.

7.6. Multi-Strobe Factor

This feature is the only TwinSide TS™ software feature that will reduce
this features is turned on, only one side of the printhead is fired at a time, reducing the peak
current by a factor of two, but having virtually no effect on average current. This is very useful
if your power supply has a restrictive maximum current, but slows printing. Please refer to the
TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference for the specific command sequence.

peak

current. When

7.7. Print Density Adjustment

Increasing print density will improve print quality, but at the same time will increase average
current. Therefore Print Density is always a trade-off between these two characteristics. Use
the lowest print density that is visually acceptable to minimize current draw. Please refer to
the TwinSide TS™ Emulation Command Set Reference for the specific command sequence.

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Symptom

Possible Cause

Corrective Actio

n

8. Troubleshooting

HENGSTLER

No LEDs light on printer 1. Power not connected or DC

power supply off

2. PCB mounted fuse blown

LEDs flashing See Section “LED Indicators” See Section “LED Indicators”
Printer will not load or feed
paper; no motor sounds

Printer will not load paper and
makes loud noise

Printer attempts to load paper
but then errors

Printer prints blank paper 1. Paper inserted upside-down

Print quality poor 1. Using wrong paper; not

Baud rate, other configuration
setting changes not
implemented after use of
Configuration Tool

1. UPM not fully closed (LEDs
will flash; see Section “LED
Indicators”)

2. Printer, cutter or presenter
has paper jam

1. Printer left with no paper
under printhead

1. Paper jam

2. Platens/sensors

contaminated

and coating detection off

2. Wrong side of roll coated

3. Plain paper used instead of
thermal paper

sensitive enough

2. Print density set too low

1. Printer was not reset after
changes made with
Configuration Tool.

1. Check line cord and outlet

2. Return printer for fuse
replacement; not field
replaceable

Close UPM completely

Clear paper jam

1. Raise UPM, and then lower
UPM. Store printer with
paper under printhead in
future

1. Clear paper jam; looks for
remaining paper fragments
that may be cause.

2. Clean platens; see
Maintenance Manual
D 691 029

1. Invert paper roll

2. Invert roll as test, have
paper made properly

3. Use correct paper

1. Use correct paper

2. Adjust print density, other
burn time adjustments

1. Reset printer.

9. Maintenance

The TwinSide TS™ platen and printhead need to be cleaned periodically to remove contaminants
from the thermal paper. Please see maintenance document D 691 029 for details.

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HENGSTLER

10. Repair

All Hengstler printers are repaired at our facility in Aldingen, Germany. For details, and to arrange for
the return of a printer for repair, please contact us at:

HENGSTLER GmbH

Uhlandstrasse 49
78554 Aldingen / Germany
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
eMail: [e-mail]
www.hengstler.com

11. Buying Paper

11.1. Sourcing Paper

In order to maintain your warranty, use only paper that conforms with TwinSide TS™ Paper
Specification D 691 024. Use of paper that does not conform with this specification may
adversely affect the performance of your TwinSide TS™ printer and/or damage your printer.
Please note that the TwinSide TS™ is designed to be used with roll paper. Under certain
conditions, it might be possible to use fanfold paper, but care must be taken to configure the
printer, black mark, and positioning so that the cut always occurs
on it or before it. Failure to do so will cause cutting problems and will likely increase paper
jams. Please consult Hengstler prior to ordering to discuss your application if you plan to use
fanfold paper.

after

the fanfold bend, not

11.2. Converting Paper

Thermal paper is usually purchased through paper converters. These companies buy large,
“jumbo” rolls of specific paper types from the few true paper manufacturers in the world and
then cut it and roll it to your specifications. You may elect to have preprinting or black marks
added at this time, as well. Please make sure that any paper a converter wishes to supply
you for use with your TwinSide TS™ printer conforms with TwinSide TS™ Paper
Specification D 691 024.

11.3. Black Mark Sensor Location

The Black Mark sensors on the TwinSide TS-56 printer can be located in numerous positions
during manufacturing, both above and below the paper (sensing the top paper side and the
bottom paper side, respectively). Figure 13 represents TS-56 paper; the black areas show
where the black marks should be located in order to be detected with the sensor located on
the topside of the paper. Grey areas shown in dotted lines are on the back side of the paper
with the sensor below the paper. The numbers shown inside each black mark area are the
Black Mark Position numbers. Only positions 4/6 can be employed for a through-beam
sensor. The default sensor positions are so marked. Please note that, in the TS-56, the
black mark sensors are also used to detect the coated side of the paper. Therefore, the
normal configuration is to have one sensor above the paper and one below. Please also note
that sensor locations other than the default location are intended for OEM applications.

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 30 of 34

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

®

HENGSTLER

Figure 13

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 31 of 34

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

®

12. Technical Specifications

12.1. TS-56 P/N 0691001 Specifications

Technology:

Print Speed:

Duty Cycle:

+25°C.

Resolution:

Minimum Printout Length:

97 mm with presenter when “Pre-Print Header” is disabled
111 mm with presenter when “Pre-Print Header” is enabled

Maximum Printout Length:

Printhead Life

Abrasion (based 100 km of paper
on 12.5% print density)
Electrical: 100 million dot pulses

Graphic Driver:
Bar Codes:

Internally Generated: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 39,
Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128, Codabar, PDF 417, QR code
Externally Generated: Any, generated by Windows® standard GDI file by host

Paper Width:
Printable Width:
Paper Weight:

Paper Capacity:

10 inch (250 mm) roll diameter with properly designed
spring buffer

Interface Types:

Interface cable length 3 meters max.

Operating Voltage:

Current Draw:

In standby <150 mA (without PPE sensors)

While printing

With Hengstler paper, at 21°C ambient temperature, with a
print speed of 90 mm/sec, voltage of 24.0 VDC, and print
density (coverage) of 12.5%: approximately

With Hengstler paper, at 21°C ambient temperature, with a
print speed of 90 mm/sec, voltage of 24.0 VDC, and print
density (coverage) of 25%: approximately

With Hengstler paper, at 21°C ambient temperature, with a
print speed of 90 mm/sec, voltage of 24.0 VDC, and print
density (coverage) of 50%: approximately

Direct Thermal

24 VDC: 90 mm/sec max.

24 VDC: Fifteen (15) 150 mm long printouts per minute max.

for a total of 50 printouts followed by a one minute pause at

203 dpi (8 dots/mm)

30 mm without presenter or chute.

45 mm without presenter but with chute

350 mm, but depends upon loop allowance in design and
upon paper stiffness. Please see “Loop Presenter” section.

Windows® 2000/XP/7 (32 and 64 bit), Linux

54 mm +0/-1 mm (fixed)

56 mm

100 to 120 g/m²

6 inch (150 mm) roll diameter

RS-232

9,600 to 115,200 baud

24 VDC ± 5%

HENGSTLER

2.4 A avg.

4.1 A avg.

6.6 A avg.

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 32 of 34

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

®

Cutter:

Presenter:

Dimensions (WxHxD):

(with presenter)

Environmental Range

Operating: -25°C to -10ºC / 10% to 60% RH, non-condensing
>-10°C to <+50°C / 15% to 90% RH, non-condensing
+50°C to +70°C / 15% to 70% RH, non-condensing

Storage: -30°C to -10ºC / 10% to 60% RH, non-condensing
>-10°C to +75°C / 10% to 90% RH, non-condensing

Full-cut Guillotine-type

12.2. Electromagnetic Compatibility

12.2.1. FCC Part 15 Class A Device

NOTE-

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference 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. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by tuning 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 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.

Loop-type with retract

109 x 137 x 245 mm (approx.)

HENGSTLER

12.2.2. EN55022 – Emissions

The TwinSide TS™ family of thermal printers are Class “A” appliances, and comply to
applicable Class “A” standards, when installed in a properly grounded housing with
appropriate conductive shielding.

When operating the printer from a DC building power supply, or when the DC power
cable exceeds 3 meters in length, appropriate EMI filters must be used.

12.2.3. EN55024 – Electromagnetic Susceptibility

Electrostatic discharges and burst effects may cause short printing interruptions, but
the automatic recovery function of the printer will restore it to its original state.

Additional action regarding lightning and overvoltage protection will be needed if
cables and wires are installed outside of a building.

However, this standard can be met only if original units, components, and cables are
used and the installation instructions are respected and followed completely.

External interference caused by ESD or EMI can temporarily cause corrupted printing
or data loss.

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 33 of 34

TwinSide TS™ Thermal Printer Family

®

12.3. Printer Drawings

Please refer to the appropriate drawing listed in section 1.1 of this document for dimensions
and complete mounting hole position information.

HENGSTLER

Part No. D 691 023A Mod. No. 4 120912 LEV page 34 of 34