Microcom 424M, 324M Operator's Manual
MODEL 324M / 424M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART NUMBER 880026-0144
Revised: November 20, 2013 CPC
Copyright © 2013 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is
intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described
herein.
Product Enhancements
Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and
quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications
contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom
Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this
product. The exclusion or limitation involving consequential or incidental damage does not
apply to all states; therefore limitation mentioned above may or may not apply.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions contained in this
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
HyperTerminal® and HyperAccess® are trademarks of Hilgraeve Inc.
Centronics
®
is a registered trademark of Data Computer Corporation.
HP® and LaserJet II® are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Arial® is a registered trademark of The Monotype Corporation.
TrueType® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................VII
CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS............................................... 1-1
1.1 General Specifications ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Printing Specifications.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Media Specifications ............................................................................................ 1-2
CHAPTER 2: FEATURES AND OPTIONS ................................................ 2-1
2.1 Fonts .................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Graphics............................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Bar codes............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.4 Special Features.................................................................................................. 2-2
2.5 Options................................................................................................................. 2-2
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED............................................................ 3-1
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection.................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Connecting the Printer ......................................................................................... 3-1
3.2.1 Printer Power ................................................................................................ 3-2
3.2.2 RS232 Serial Communication Interface ........................................................ 3-3
3.2.2.1 RS-232 Serial Cables ............................................................................ 3-4
3.2.3 USB Communication Interface...................................................................... 3-4
3.2.3.1 USB Driver Setup .................................................................................. 3-5
3.3 MICPrinter USB Windows Driver ......................................................................... 3-6
3.3.1 Optional Cutter Interface............................................................................. 3-23
3.3.2 LPD Sensor Input........................................................................................ 3-23
3.3.3 Sensor Inputs 1 and 2................................................................................. 3-23
3.3.3.1 Sensor INPUT 1................................................................................... 3-23
3.3.3.2 Sensor Input 2 ..................................................................................... 3-23
3.4 Loading Media ................................................................................................... 3-24
3.5 Print Button and Status Indicator Light............................................................... 3-26
3.5.1 Print Button ................................................................................................. 3-26
3.5.2 Status Indicator Light .................................................................................. 3-27
3.6 Printer Modes..................................................................................................... 3-27
3.6.1 Idle Mode: GREEN .................................................................................... 3-27
3.6.2 Halted Mode: RED ..................................................................................... 3-28
3.6.2.1 Steps to clear the >STOCK OUT< error ............................................. 3-28
3.6.2.2 Steps to clear the >STOCK OUT< error with “E-Z Out function”.......... 3-28
3.6.2.3 Automatic Stock Eject on >STOCK OUT<........................................... 3-28
3.6.3 Paused Mode: Solid or Flashing AMBER .................................................. 3-28
3.6.4 Diagnostic Mode ......................................................................................... 3-28
3.6.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode.................................................................... 3-29
3.6.4.2 Statistics Label..................................................................................... 3-29
3.7 Printer Integration .............................................................................................. 3-29
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 i
3.7.1 Environmental Considerations .................................................................... 3-30
3.7.2 Printer Mounting Orientations...................................................................... 3-30
3.7.3 Media Mounting Considerations ..................................................................3-31
3.7.4 Designing a Roll Support ............................................................................ 3-32
3.7.5 Designing for Fan-Fold Media..................................................................... 3-32
3.7.6 Designing Media Guides .............................................................................3-32
3.7.6.1 Designing the Media Dispense Path .................................................... 3-32
3.7.6.2 Cables and Routing.............................................................................. 3-33
3.7.7 Power Supply Requirements....................................................................... 3-33
3.7.8 Electrostatic Discharges and Ground Connections..................................... 3-34
CHAPTER 4: DESIGNING LABELS USING LDS ......................................4-1
4.1 Control Characters ............................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 LDS Design Exercises.......................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 PC Connection (Serial) ................................................................................. 4-1
4.2.2 Format Creation ............................................................................................ 4-2
4.3 Label Design: An Overview ..................................................................................4-3
4.4 Label Header........................................................................................................ 4-4
4.4.1 HFM (Number of Fields in Layout) ................................................................4-6
4.4.2 LSX (Print Head Size X)................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.3 LSY (Label Size Y)........................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.4 WEB (Web Size) ...........................................................................................4-6
4.4.5 GAP (GAP Size)............................................................................................ 4-6
4.4.6 DPS (Print Speed)......................................................................................... 4-7
4.4.7 LCB (Label Control Byte) .............................................................................. 4-7
4.4.7.1 Die-Cut and Blow-Hole Media (setting = 0) ............................................ 4-8
4.4.7.2 Continuous Media (setting = 2) .............................................................. 4-8
4.4.7.3 Black Line Media (Reflective) (setting = 3)............................................ 4-8
4.4.8 AGD (Activate Gap Detector)........................................................................ 4-8
4.4.9 SPG (Steps Past Gap).................................................................................. 4-9
4.4.10 OFX (Offset X Direction) ............................................................................. 4-10
4.4.11 OFY (Offset Y Direction) ............................................................................. 4-10
4.5 Sample Header .................................................................................................. 4-10
4.6 Label Format Fields............................................................................................4-11
4.6.1 TSN (Text String Number)..........................................................................4-12
4.6.2 XB (X Beginning Coordinate) ...................................................................... 4-12
4.6.3 YB (Y Beginning Coordinate) ......................................................................4-12
4.6.4 CC (Character Count) ................................................................................. 4-12
4.6.5 TCI (Text Conversion Identifier) ..................................................................4-12
4.6.6 CGN (Character Generator Number) ..........................................................4-14
4.6.6.1 Embedded Fonts.................................................................................. 4-14
4.6.6.2 Downloadable Fonts and Graphics ...................................................... 4-14
4.6.6.3 Embedded Bar Codes.......................................................................... 4-16
4.6.7 FO (Field Orientation) ................................................................................. 4-16
4.6.8 FJ (Field Justification) ................................................................................4-17
4.6.9 CMX (Character Multiplier X Direction) ....................................................... 4-17
4.6.10 CMY (Character Multiplier Y Direction) ....................................................... 4-17
4.6.11 CS (Character Spacing) .............................................................................. 4-18
4.6.12 TSP (Text Starting Position)........................................................................ 4-18
4.6.13 ,,, (Reserved Spaces) ................................................................................ 4-18
ii 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144
4.6.14 AN (Attribute Number) ................................................................................ 4-18
4.7 Line Draw........................................................................................................... 4-18
4.8 Reverse Video ................................................................................................... 4-21
4.8.1 Reverse Video ............................................................................................ 4-21
4.8.2 True Reverse Video.................................................................................... 4-22
CHAPTER 5 PRINTER COMMANDS ....................................................... 5-1
5.1 Special Printer Control Codes.............................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Enquiry Responses....................................................................................... 5-3
5.2 Printer Configuration Commands......................................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 Software Switches ........................................................................................ 5-5
5.2.1.1 Software Switch #1................................................................................ 5-5
5.2.1.2 Software Switch #2................................................................................ 5-6
5.2.1.3 Software Switch #3................................................................................ 5-7
5.2.1.4 Software Switch #4................................................................................ 5-8
5.2.1.5 Software Switch #5................................................................................ 5-9
5.2.1.6 Software Switch #6.............................................................................. 5-11
5.2.1.7 Software Switch #7.............................................................................. 5-17
5.2.1.8 Software Switch #8.............................................................................. 5-18
5.2.2 Communication Port Configuration ............................................................. 5-20
5.2.2.1 Baud Rate............................................................................................ 5-20
5.2.2.2 Set Serial Port Source Command (Non-volatile- ^D108)..................... 5-21
5.2.2.3 Set Serial Port Source Command (Volatile - ^D109) ........................... 5-21
5.2.3 Print Head Size Commands........................................................................ 5-21
5.3 General Purpose I/O .......................................................................................... 5-22
5.4 Specialized Print Modes..................................................................................... 5-24
5.4.1 Synchronous Print Mode............................................................................. 5-24
5.4.2 USB Image Print Mode ............................................................................... 5-25
5.4.3 Contrast Adjustment Commands ................................................................ 5-26
5.4.3.1 Adjust Contrast Window (Volatile - ^D35)............................................ 5-27
5.4.3.2 Adjust Contrast Base (Non-volatile - ^D36) ......................................... 5-27
5.4.4 Slice Buffer Size and Set Starting Slice Number Commands ..................... 5-27
5.4.5 Printer Restart / Reboot Commands........................................................... 5-27
5.4.6 Registration Commands ............................................................................. 5-28
5.4.7 Auto-size Commands.................................................................................. 5-30
5.4.8 AutoHeader Commands ............................................................................. 5-30
5.5 AutoLoad Media Commands.............................................................................. 5-31
5.5.1 AutoLoad + Form Feed............................................................................... 5-32
5.5.2 AutoLoad + Top-Of-Form............................................................................ 5-33
5.6 Printing Commands............................................................................................ 5-34
5.6.1 Basic Printing Commands........................................................................... 5-34
5.7 Label Header Parameter Override Commands.................................................. 5-35
5.7.1 Serial Number Commands.......................................................................... 5-36
5.8 Text String Commands ...................................................................................... 5-37
5.9 Cutter Configuration Commands........................................................................ 5-39
5.9.1 Cutter Type ................................................................................................. 5-39
5.9.2 Kiosk Cutter Commands ............................................................................. 5-39
5.9.2.1 Kiosk Cutter Mode ............................................................................... 5-39
5.9.2.2 Kiosk Cutter Advance Distance Command.......................................... 5-40
5.9.3 Volatile Cutter Operation............................................................................. 5-40
324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144 iii
5.9.4 Cutter Hold-off .............................................................................................5-41
5.10 Dispensing Commands ......................................................................................5-42
5.10.1 Tag/Tear Operation..................................................................................... 5-42
5.10.2 Peel-and-Dispense Operation ..................................................................... 5-42
5.10.3 Load Advance/Retract Distance and Load Advance Delay......................... 5-42
5.11 View Printer Configuration and Statistics ...........................................................5-43
5.12 Memory Commands ...........................................................................................5-43
5.13 Printer Code Update...........................................................................................5-49
5.14 Miscellaneous Commands .................................................................................5-49
CHAPTER 6: DOWNLOADABLE GRAPHICS ...........................................6-1
6.1 FLASH Data Types ..............................................................................................6-1
6.2 RAM Data Types .................................................................................................. 6-1
6.3 Using the BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility ........................................ 6-1
6.3.1 BMP2MIC.exe GRAPHIC Conversion Utility Procedure ...............................6-2
6.4 Graphic Download Methods................................................................................. 6-3
6.4.1 Uncompressed Graphic Downloads.............................................................. 6-3
6.4.2 Compressed Binary GRAPHIC Downloads................................................... 6-3
6.5 Advanced GRAPHIC Format Conversion for Programmers................................. 6-4
6.5.1 Save Compressed Graphics to RAM (D107).................................................6-4
6.5.2 Save Compressed Graphics to FLASH (D133) .............................................6-4
6.5.3 Binary Compression Algorithm...................................................................... 6-5
6.5.4 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)......................................................... 6-6
6.6 Graphic Image Data Format................................................................................. 6-7
6.7 Downloadable Graphics Commands .................................................................... 6-8
CHAPTER 7: DOWNLOADABLE FONTS ..................................................7-1
7.1 FLASH Data Types ..............................................................................................7-1
7.2 RAM Data Types .................................................................................................. 7-1
7.3 Using the Font Conversion Utilities ...................................................................... 7-1
7.3.1 SFP2MIC.exe Program ................................................................................. 7-2
7.3.2 TTF2MIC.exe Program.................................................................................. 7-2
7.4 Font Download Methods ...................................................................................... 7-2
7.4.1 Compressed Binary Commands ...................................................................7-2
7.4.1.1 Save Compressed FONT to RAM (D127).............................................. 7-3
7.4.1.2 Save Compressed FONT to FLASH (D135) .......................................... 7-3
7.4.2 Uncompressed FONT to RAM (^D104)......................................................... 7-3
7.4.3 Save FONTS to FLASH (^D135)................................................................... 7-4
7.5 Font Structure....................................................................................................... 7-5
7.6 Downloadable Font Command Summary............................................................. 7-6
CHAPTER 8: BAR CODES ........................................................................8-1
8.1 Types of Bar Codes..............................................................................................8-1
8.1.1 Universal Product Code – Version A (UPC-A), TCI 12..................................8-1
8.1.2 Universal Product Code – Version E (UPC-E), TCI 13..................................8-1
8.1.3 Universal Product Code (UPC-E, send 6 digits), TCI 14............................... 8-2
8.1.4 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2 of 5), TCI 15 ................................................................ 8-2
8.1.5 Code 3 of 9 (Code39), TCI 16....................................................................... 8-2
8.1.6 European Article Numbering System 13 (EAN-13), TCI 20........................... 8-3
iv 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144
8.1.7 European Article Numbering System 8 (EAN-8), TCI 21 .............................. 8-3
8.1.8 Modified Plessey (MSI 1), TCI 24 ................................................................. 8-3
8.1.9 Modified Plessey (MSI 2), TCI 25 ................................................................. 8-3
8.1.10 Modified Plessey (MSI 3), TCI 26 ................................................................. 8-3
8.1.11 GS1 Databar, TCI 35 .................................................................................... 8-3
8.1.11.1 GS1 Databar Omni-Directional .............................................................. 8-4
8.1.11.2 GS1 Databar Truncated......................................................................... 8-4
8.1.11.3 GS1 Databar Stacked............................................................................ 8-4
8.1.11.4 GS1 Databar Stacked Omni-directional................................................. 8-4
8.1.11.5 GS1 Databar Limited ............................................................................. 8-5
8.1.11.6 GS1 Databar Expanded......................................................................... 8-5
8.1.11.7 How to Print an GS1 Databar Barcode .................................................. 8-5
8.1.12 Postnet (ZIP+4), TCI 36................................................................................ 8-6
8.1.13 Postnet (ZIP+6), TCI 37................................................................................ 8-7
8.1.14 MaxiCode, TCI 38 ......................................................................................... 8-7
8.1.15 Code 128 (Automatic Compression), TCI 40 ................................................ 8-9
8.1.16 Code 128 (Manual Compression), TCI 41 .................................................. 8-10
8.1.17 Codabar (Rationalized), TCI 42 .................................................................. 8-11
8.1.18 Code 93, TCI 43.......................................................................................... 8-11
8.1.19 PDF-417, TCI 46......................................................................................... 8-11
8.1.20 Datamatrix, TCI 47 ...................................................................................... 8-14
8.1.21 Intelligent Mail Barcode, TCI 48.................................................................. 8-19
8.1.22 Planet Code, TCI 49 ................................................................................... 8-21
8.1.23 UCC/EAN 128, TCI 50 ................................................................................ 8-22
8.1.24 UCC/EAN Text Information, TCI 51 ............................................................ 8-26
8.2 Bar Code Rotation ............................................................................................. 8-26
8.3 Bar Code Human Readable Text ....................................................................... 8-27
CHAPTER 9 CODE PAGE SWITCHING................................................... 9-1
9.1 What is Code Page Switching?............................................................................ 9-1
9.2 Character Sets ..................................................................................................... 9-1
9.3 Code Pages ......................................................................................................... 9-1
9.3.1 Code Pages .................................................................................................. 9-2
9.3.2 Danish Code Page........................................................................................ 9-3
9.3.3 860 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-4
9.3.4 Spanish Code Page...................................................................................... 9-5
9.3.5 850 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-6
9.3.6 German Code Page...................................................................................... 9-7
9.3.7 865 Code Page............................................................................................. 9-8
9.3.8 Swiss Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-9
9.3.9 852 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-10
9.3.10 French Code Page...................................................................................... 9-11
9.3.11 863 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-12
9.3.12 Swedish Code Page ................................................................................... 9-13
9.3.13 437 Code Page........................................................................................... 9-14
9.3.14 Italian Code Page ....................................................................................... 9-15
9.3.15 British Code Page....................................................................................... 9-16
9.3.16 USA Code Page.......................................................................................... 9-17
CHAPTER 10 PRINTER MAINTENANCE................................................ 10-1
324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144 v
10.1 Maintenance Schedule....................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 Thermal Printer Card.......................................................................................... 10-2
10.3 Internal Cleaning ................................................................................................10-4
10.4 Print Head Maintenance..................................................................................... 10-5
CHAPTER 11: TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................11-1
11.1 Troubleshooting Tips.......................................................................................... 11-1
INDEX ........................................................................................................12-1
General Index ........................................................................................................ 12-1
List of Figures ........................................................................................................ 12-9
List of Tables ....................................................................................................... 12-11
APPENDIX.................................................................................................13-1
Appendix A: Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 13-1
Appendix B: ^D Command Summary ....................................................................... 13-2
Appendix C: Glossary............................................................................................. 13-17
Appendix D: User Notes ......................................................................................... 13-22
vi 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144
Introduction
The Model 324M and 424M printers are high performance Direct Thermal open frame
printers specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. The only
difference between the two printers is the width of the print head: the 324M has a 3” wide
print head, and the 424M has a 4” wide print head. All other features are the same on both
printers.
Rear Side View
Front Side View
324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144 vii
viii 324M/424M Operator’s Manual – 880026-0144
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width* 8.53” (217 mm)
Height* 4.00” (102 mm)
Depth* 3.50” (88.9 mm)
Weight* 4.16 lbs. (1.9 kg)
Electrical +24 VDC
Current 3 Amps maximum
Temperature 40° F – 104° F (5° C – 40° C) Operating
Humidity 10% – 85%, non-condensing
SRAM Memory 512 K
Code Flash Memory 512 K
User Flash Memory 8 MB
Agency Approvals
Interface Communications
Flow Control XON, XOFF, and CTS
Baud Rate 110 to 115200
Parity Odd, Even, and None
Data Bits 7 or 8
Protocols TCP/IP
NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
based on final configuration.
Table 1-1 General Specifications
Designed to meet CUL, CE, and complies with FCC
Class A
RS-232 (9 pin D-Sub connector (DCE)), USB (version
1.1 supported), and optional 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
1.2 Printing Specifications
Print Type Direct Thermal
Print Resolution
Maximum Print Speed 8”/sec. (203 mm/sec.)
Maximum Print Width
Maximum Print Length 50” (1,270 mm)
Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 1-1
203 DPI (8 dots/mm = 0.0049” per dot)
300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot)
324M 203DPI = 3.152” (80.08 mm); 640 dots
324M 300DPI = 3.200” (81.28 mm); 960 dots
424M 203DPI = 4.098” (104.10 mm); 832 dots
424M 300DPI = 4.266” (108.37 mm); 1,280 dots
Table 1-2 Printing Specifications
Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types
Maximum Media Thickness .010” (.25 mm)*
Maximum Media Width
Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled
or fanfold
324M = 3.5” (89 mm)**
424M = 4.5” (115 mm)***
Table 1-3 Media Specifications
*NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the
material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom
Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of
thicker or rigid media types.
**NOTE: The 324M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 3.5” while the actual
printable width is 3.15” for the 203 DPI and 3.189” for the 300 DPI print head.
***NOTE: The 424M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 4.5” while the actual
printable width is 4.095” for the 203 DPI and 4.252” for the 300 DPI print head.
The printers may be optimally configured with fixed media guides to assist in the installation
of media.
1-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
2.1 Fonts
7 (203 DPI) smooth bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts from 6pt to 14pt.
TrueType® font capability using Microcom Corporation utility program.
19 (203 or 300 DPI depending on the print head resolution) downloadable
All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width.
Reverse image printing.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.2 Graphics
Resident Lines feature.
Chapter 2: Features and Options
standard font set.
Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non-
All BMP files may be converted using a Microcom utility program.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.3 Bar codes
One-dimensional
Code 39
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128 (A, B, C and Auto)
Code 93
Codabar
Modified Plessey
UPC-A
UPC-E
volatile FLASH memory.
EAN 8
EAN 13
UCC/EAN 128
Postnet
2-1 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Two-dimensional
GS1 Databar
Omni-directional
Truncated
Stacked
Stacked
Omni directional
Limited
Expanded
PDF-417
Maxicode.
Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
Expandable in height and width.
2.4 Special Features
3 Serial Data inputs
RS-232D, up to 115,200 baud
USB 1.1
Rotating head mechanism for easy print head cleaning
Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or custom fixed guide
brackets
Software controlled contrast adjustment
Detects label gap, black line, and blow-hole using reflective and
transmissive sensors
Field incrementing, decrementing, and serialization
Downloadable fonts and graphics (with data compression)
Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed
Remote printer interrogation
Two types of mounting methods for kiosk installation flexibility
On-site programmable flash memory updates
Supports 203 dpi and 300 dpi print heads
Four +24VDC control INPUTS
Four +24VDC control OUTPUTS
Automatic stock eject on paper-out
2-3 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
2.5 Options
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full Cut Only, 170 g/m2
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Guillotine cutter, Full/Partial, 120g/m2
3.425” (87mm) or 4.488” (114mm) Rotary cutter, Full Cut Only, 200g/m2
+24 VDC Universal 85W Desktop Power Supply for 70°C
+24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply
+24 VDC Universal 150W Desktop Power Supply with Hi-Temp Fan
Two reflective sensor inputs with indicator lights (Input 1 and Input 2)
Label Present Detector (LPD) reflective sensor with indicator light and
Printed Media Presenter (PMP)
10/100BASE-T Ethernet communications port
Remote print button and unit indicator light
adjustable range
Cleaning kit
324M/424M Operator’s Manual- 880026-0144 2-4
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printer has been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage during
shipment.
Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the
shipping company immediately to file a damage claim.
After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list
are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 424M
printer, optional power supply, and optional power cord. Your shipment may contain
different items.
The foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped
at a later time. Additional shipping materials can be ordered by contacting the Microcom
Corporation Service Department.
Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories
3.2 Connecting the Printer
The printer’s may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose
machines using the available communications ports described in the following sections.
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-1
Getting Started Chapter 3
3.2.1 Printer Power
Microcom Corporation offers three (3) different “Desktop” universal power supplies as
options. Any power supply that conforms to the standard supply specifications listed in
Table 3-1 below may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC power supply that
operates in the 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4 Amps. The power supply should
operate in an “output fold-back mode” during an overload situation rather than a shutdown
and restart attempt; sometimes referred to as a “Hiccup” mode. Contact your Microcom
Corporation representative for any questions regarding power adapter requirements and/or
specifications.
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~4.16A +/- 5%
Power Rating:
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load:
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-1 100 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 40°C
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~6.25A +/- 5%
Power Rating:
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load:
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-2 150 Watt Power Supply, with Fan 60°C
AC Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60HZ, 4A
DC Output: +24V @ 0.2 ~4.16A +/- 5%
Power Rating:
Overload Protection: Output Voltage Foldback Mode
Maximum Transient Load:
Printer Power Connector: Standard 4-pin power mini-DIN
Table 3-3 85 Watt Power Supply, w/o Fan 70°C
100 Watts, no cooling, 40°C
12 cycles @ 2.1ms rep. rate;
35A, 650µs pulse
150 Watts, internal fan cooling, 60°C
12 cycles @ 2.1 ms rep. rate;
35A, 650 µs pulse
85 Watts, no cooling, 40°C
12 cycles @ 2.1ms rep. rate;
35A, 650µs pulse
3-2 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
GND
GND
View of Optional Desktop Power
Supply
Output cable connector
+24V
Figure 3-2 Optional Desktop Power Supply Output
AC Input
(115-230VAC)
On/Off Switch
DC Output
(+24 VDC)
Note: Verify that the printer’s On/Off switch is switched “off” before
plugging in the power cord into the electrical outlet and the power
supply’s output cable into the printer.
Figure 3-3 Connecting the Power
3.2.2 RS232 Serial Communication Interface
The printer provides a 9-pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232D serial
communication. The printer is configured as DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment) so a
NULL modem cable is not necessary. A serial data cable is required to use serial
communications, refer to Table 3-4 below for correct cable configurations.
The factory settings, unless otherwise requested, are set at 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit and no parity with both hardware and software handshaking enabled. The baud rate is
user selectable from 110 to 115,200 and uses software XON/XOFF flow control and/or
hardware CTS handshaking.
If XON/XOFF handshaking is used, the only signals that the printer requires are the RXD,
TXD, and GND signals. If the hardware handshaking is used, then the CTS and RTS signals
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-3
Getting Started Chapter 3
are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would
require them.
3.2.2.1 RS-232 Serial Cables
The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable,
which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply
company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE.
For a 25-pin serial communication port – Use a 25-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
For a 9-pin serial communication port – Use a 9-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
9 to 9 Pin Cable 9 to 25 Pin Cable
DE-9
State
XX 1 DCD
XX 2 TXD
XX 3 RXD
HI 4 DTR
LO 5 GND
HI 6 DSR
DC 7 RTS
XX 8 CTS
HI 9 +5V
Pin #
Signals /
Directions
PC
DE-9
Pin #
DCD
RXD 2 XX 2 TXD
TXD 3 XX 3 RXD
DSR 4 HI 4 DTR
GND
DTR 6 HI 6 DSR
CTS 7 DC 7 RTS
RTS 8 XX 8 CTS
+5V 9 HI 9 +5V -
1 HI 1 DCD
5 LO 5 GND
State
DE-9
Pin #
Signals /
Directions
DCD 8
RXD 3
TXD 2
DSR 20
GND 7
DTR 6
CTS 4
RTS 5
PC
DB-25
Pin #
DC = DO NOT CARE XX = INDETERMINATE
Table 3-4 RS-232 Cable Configurations
CAUTION: Connection of a serial port to a parallel port may
result in damage to the printer and/or computer.
3.2.3 USB Communication Interface
The 324M printer provides a single USB port for communication to a host device. In order
to communicate with the printer, the USB driver must be installed on the host computer.
This may be downloaded at http://www.microcomcorp.com/drivers.htm. The Windows
combined driver model (CDM) may be installed on XP, VISTA, Windows 7 or Windows 8
allowing applications to access FTDI devices through either the D2XX DLL or a COM port
without having to change driver type. However, it should be noted that an application can
only communicate through one of these interfaces at a time and cannot send commands to
the D2XX DLL and the associated COM port at the same time.
3-4 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
3.2.3.1 USB Driver Setup
The Windows combined driver model (CDM) may be installed on XP, VISTA, Windows 7 or
Windows 8 allowing applications to access FTDI devices through either the D2XX DLL or a
COM port without having to change driver type. However, it should be noted that an
application can only communicate through one of these interfaces at a time and cannot
send commands to the D2XX DLL and the associated COM port at the same time.
If there is an available Internet connection, Windows will silently connect to the Windows
Update website and install any suitable driver it finds for the device once connected. If an
manual install is desired, follow the instructions below.
Run the CDM.exe driver to install the FTDI based USB.
Click “Continue Anyway” if this dialog box pops up.
The next step is to install the D2xx.dll. While this is a communication port (RS-232)
emulator, no configuration of the RS-232 port is required.
Once installed, the FTDI USB device will show up as a USB SERIAL PORT (COMx) listed
under the “COMM PORTS AND LPT” within Device Manager. The “x” indicates the COMM
port number this will be used for that USB port connection to the printer.
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-5
Getting Started Chapter 3
Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. If already
connected, disconnect USB and then reconnect the USB. The FTDI USB device should
now recognize and install.
3.3 MICPrinter USB Windows Driver
MICPrinter is a driver that allows most traditional Windows applications to print to a
Microcom printer equipped with fast USB capability. The Micprinter utility may also be used
in a command line environment if more than one device instance is needed. The
MicOptions GUI will only support one device at a time
The installation of the driver will require that the user has Administration privileges on the
host computer to complete the installation. Please note that the drivers should be installed
before connecting the printer and turning it on.
The first step would be to execute the MICPrinter installer (MICPrinter-Setup.exe) to install
the utility onto your system.
The first screen will be similar to:
Click the Next button to continue.
3-6 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
You will see a screen similar to this showing the progress of the installation.
Click “Continue Anyway” if this dialog box pops up.
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-7
Getting Started Chapter 3
The next step is to install the FTDI USB driver. While this is a communication port (RS-232)
emulator, no configuration of the RS-232 port is required.
Once installed, the FTDI USB device will show up as a USB SERIAL PORT (COM) listed
under the “COMM PORTS AND LPT” within Device Manager. The “x” indicates the COMM
port number this will be used for that USB port connection to the printer.
Connect the power cable and the USB cable to the printer and turn the printer on. The FTDI
USB device should try to install. If it is unable to install, please manually install the by
following the example below.
Select YES to install the communications driver.
Select the FINISH button to complete the installation process.
The Micoption GUI may now be configured for the printer being used. You may access the
Micoptions GUI from either the PRINTERS and FAXES folder and select
3-8 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
Micprinter\Properties\Advanced Options\Setup Printer or START
button\Programs\Micoptions\Micoptions.
Micprinter listed under the Printers and Faxes folder.
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-9
Getting Started Chapter 3
Selecting this will
This is a Micoptions configuration window sample.
Select the COMM port
# that the FTDI device
is connected to.
If selected, the driver
will auto detect the
communication port.
This should be disabled
if using the command
report the port
that the USB
device is
detected on.
The Form Setup may be used to save
a configuration.
Export the form to save the setup and
select Import to use an existing setup.
3-10 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
Media and
printer
configurations
Error monitors and the
ability to insert commands
or files into the data
stream.
Select and send commands, files, and
images directly to the printer port. This
is a great way to get started and to
verify printer settings.
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-11
Getting Started Chapter 3
The Detect Hardware button is used to read
settings from the printer.
When the Autodetect is enabled, the driver will
communicate to the printer and automatically set
the Internal Parameters section.
The Calculate SPG button is to manually
calculate the SPG which is a registration
parameter used by the printer.
The AutoCalc SPG will cause the printer
to automatically calculate the parameter.
3-12 324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144
Chapter 3 Getting Started
The Internal Parameters section is set
based on the printer being used. Please
use the table below to determine the
proper values if the Autodetect and
AutoCalc and not checked.
Product
Printhead
Width
203 or
300 dpi
Dot2Gap
Value
203 dpi 324M 640 203 284
300 dpi 324M 960 300 438
203 dpi 424M 832 203 284
300 dpi 424M 1280 300 438
203 dpi 424 832 203 468
300 dpi 424 1280 300 730
203 dpi 324M, TC, TM Black line 832 203 487
300 dpi 324M, TC, TM Black line 1280 300 720
203 dpi 324M, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow-
hole, Continuous
300 dpi 324M, TC, TM Die-cut, Blow-
hole, Continuous
832 203 264
1280 300 385
324M/424M Operator’s Manual - 880026-0144 3-13
Loading...