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326M
User Manual
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Microcom 326M User Manual

MODELS 326M / 426M
DIRECT THERMA L PRINTERS
USER’S GUIDE
PART NUMBER 880024-0107
Revised: December 12, 2004 CPC © Copyright 2004 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America
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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 is 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-Pack ard 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................................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 3
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 PRINTING SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................3
1.3 MEDIA SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: FEATURES AND OPTIONS........................................................................... 5
2.1 FONTS ............................................................................................................................................5
2.2 GRAPHICS....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 BAR CODES ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 SPECIAL FEATURES .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.5 OPTIONS ................................ ................................................................ ......................................... 6
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED...................................................................................... 7
3.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION............................................................................................................. 7
3.2 CONNECTING THE PRINTER............................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Printer Power................................ ................................................................ ............................. 8
3.2.2 Communication Interface ...........................................................................................................9
3.2.3 Optional Cutter Interface.......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.4 Optional LPD / INPUT 2 Sensor............................................................................................... 10
3.2.5 Optional Remote Button ................................ ................................................................ ........... 10
3.2.6 Optional INPUT 1 Sensor......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.7 Optional INPUT 3 Sensor......................................................................................................... 10
3.3 BUTTON AND INDICATOR LIGHT ................................ ........................................................................ 11
3.3.1 Button......................................................................................................................................12
3.3.2 Indicator Light.......................................................................................................................... 12
3.4 LOADING MEDIA............................................................................................................................. 13
3.5 CLEARING MEDIA JAMS ................................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER 4: PRINTER MODES........................................................................................ 15
4.1 IDLE MODE.................................................................................................................................... 15
4.2 HALTED MODE............................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.1 Enquiry Responses..................................................................................................................15
4.2.2 Fatal Error Responses.............................................................................................................18
4.2.2.1 >STOCK OUT< (01)........................................................................................................ 18
4.2.2.2 >STOCK OVERADVANCED< (02)..................................................................................18
326M User’s Guide i
4.2.2.3 >STOCK JAMMED< (03)................................................................................................. 19
4.2.2.4 >INCORRECT STOCK< (04)...........................................................................................19
4.2.2.5 >CUTTER JAMMED< (10)...............................................................................................19
4.2.2.6 >CUTTER INOPERATIVE< (11)...................................................................................... 19
4.2.2.7 >CUTTER WATCHDOG STOPPED CUTTER< (12)........................................................ 19
4.2.2.8 >CUTTER WATCHDOG WON”T RESET< (13) ............................................................... 20
4.2.2.9 >MISSING LABEL< (1C)................................................................................................. 20
4.2.2.10 >INCOMPLETE FORM< (1D)...................................................................................... 20
4.2.2.11 >CATCH TRAY FULL< (20).........................................................................................20
4.2.2.12 >SCRIPT ERROR< (30).............................................................................................. 20
4.2.2.13 >INVALID PARAMETER< (31)....................................................................................20
4.2.2.14 >PARSER ERROR< (32)................................ ............................................................ 21
4.2.2.15 >COMM ERROR< (40)................................................................................................ 21
4.2.2.16 >FLASH ERROR< (51)................................................................................................21
4.2.3 Basic Status Responses ..........................................................................................................21
4.2.3.1 >OK< (06).......................................................................................................................21
4.2.3.2 >INPUT 1< (21)...............................................................................................................21
4.2.3.3 >INPUT 2< (22)...............................................................................................................22
4.2.3.4 >RESTARTED< (80).......................................................................................................22
4.2.3.5 >READY< (81) ................................................................................................................22
4.2.3.6 >BUSY< (82)................................................................................................................... 22
4.2.3.7 >PAUSED< (83).............................................................................................................. 22
4.2.3.8 >PRINTING< (84)............................................................................................................ 22
4.2.3.9 >FEEDING< (85)............................................................................................................. 22
4.2.3.10 >LABEL/TAG PRESENT< (86).................................................................................... 23
4.2.3.11 >STOCK ADVANCED< (87)........................................................................................23
4.2.3.12 >FLASH DEFRAGMENTING< (8A)............................................................................. 23
4.2.3.13 >STOCK NOT LOADED< (8F)..................................................................................... 23
4.2.3.14 >RETRACTION DELAY< (90)..................................................................................... 23
4.2.3.15 >PRINT DELAY< (91).................................................................................................. 23
4.2.3.16 >FLASH MEMORY LOW< (B0)................................................................................... 23
4.2.3.17 >BUTTON 1 TAPPED< (C0)........................................................................................24
4.2.3.18 >BUTTON 1 HELD< (C1)............................................................................................ 24
4.2.3.19 >TEMPERATURE OUT OF RANGE< (D0)..................................................................24
4.2.3.20 >NONEXISTENT COMMAND< (D1)............................................................................ 24
4.2.3.21 >INCOMPLETE COMMAND< (D2).............................................................................. 24
4.2.3.22 >ZIP FILE ERROR< (D3) ............................................................................................ 24
4.2.3.23 >FILE CONVERSION ERROR< (D4)...........................................................................24
4.2.3.24 >UNSUPPORTED FILE TYPE< (D5)........................................................................... 25
4.2.3.25 >FILE NOT FOUND< (D6)........................................................................................... 25
ii 326M User’s Guide
4.2.3.26 >INADEQUATE ACCESS MODE< (D7) ...................................................................... 25
4.2.3.27 >FILE IS READ ONLY< (D9) ................................................................ ....................... 25
4.2.3.28 >INADEQUATE FLASH SPACE< (DA)........................................................................ 25
4.2.3.29 >I/O FAILURE< (DB)...................................................................................................25
4.2.3.30 >FONT/GRAPHIC NOT FOUND< (DC)................................................................ ....... 25
4.2.3.31 >SWITCH 0 ACTUATED< (E1).................................................................................... 25
4.2.3.32 >SWITCH 1 ACTUATED< (E2).................................................................................... 26
4.2.3.33 >SWITCH 2 ACTUATED< (E3).................................................................................... 26
4.2.3.34 >TOF SWITCH ACTUATED< (E4)...............................................................................26
4.2.3.35 >FIELD OFF IMAGE< (F0).......................................................................................... 26
4.2.3.36 >GRAPHIC TOO LARGE< (F2)................................................................................... 26
4.2.3.37 >POWERED DOWN< (FF).......................................................................................... 26
4.3 PAUSED MODE............................................................................................................................... 26
4.4 DIAGNOSTIC MODE.........................................................................................................................27
4.4.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode........................................................................................................27
4.1.2 Status Label............................................................................................................................. 27
CHAPTER 5: COMM UNICATIONS.................................................................................... 31
5.1 RS-232 SERIAL ............................................................................................................................. 31
5.1.1 RS-232 Prin ter Cables.............................................................................................................31
5.2 ETHERNET - 10BASE TX................................................................................................................32
5.3 USB PORT.................................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 6: MAINTENAN CE AND ADJUSTMENTS....................................................... 33
6.1 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ................................................................................................ ............... 33
6.2 THERMAL PRINTER CARD................................................................................................................ 34
6.3 INTERNAL CLEANING....................................................................................................................... 36
6.4 PRINT HEAD MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................. 37
6.5 CLEANING THE DRIVE ROLLER......................................................................................................... 38
6.6 EXTERIOR CLEANING ......................................................................................................................39
6.7 GAP DETECTOR ADJUST MENT ......................................................................................................... 39
6.8 AUXILIARY BUTTON......................................................................................................................... 39
6.9 FLASH MEMORY UPDATE ................................................................................................................ 39
6.9.1 Compressed File Update.......................................................................................................... 40
6.9.2 MCA Compressed File Recovery............................................................................................. 41
CHAPTER 7: TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................. 43
7.1 TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS ................................................................................................................ 43
APPENDIX A ...................................................................................................................... 47
LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................................................................................................47
326M User’s Guide iii
APPENDIX B.......................................................................................................................49
RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) PROCEDURE................................ ................................................ 49
GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................51
INDEX..................................................................................................................................55
USER NOTES .....................................................................................................................59
iv 326M User’s Guide
List of Tables
Table 1 General Specifications...............................................................................3
Table 2 Printing Specifications...............................................................................3
Table 3 Media Specifications..................................................................................4
Table 4 Minimum Power Supply Specifications......................................................8
Table 5 Print Button Description...........................................................................12
Table 6 Indicator Light Description.......................................................................12
Table 7 Enquiry Responses .................................................................................18
Table 8 RS-232 Cable Configurations..................................................................31
Table 9 Recommended Maintenance Schedule...................................................33
326M User’s Guide v
vi 326M User’s Guide
List of Figures
Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M).......................................................................viii
Figure 2 Rear Angled View (426M) .......................................................................viii
Figure 3 Printer Accessories (326M).......................................................................7
Figure 4 Connecting the Power Adapter (426M) .....................................................8
Figure 5 Communication Connections (426M) ........................................................9
Figure 6 Optional Component Connections.............................................................9
Figure 7 Button and Indicator Light (426M) ...........................................................11
Figure 8 Loading Media (426M).............................................................................13
Figure 9 Releasing the Print Head (326M) ............................................................14
Figure 10 ^D960)1 or ^K Test Pattern..................................................................27
Figure 11 ^D323-List Enablements Example.......................................................27
Figure 12 ^D326-List Settings Example...............................................................28
Figure 13 ^D325-List Selections Example ...........................................................29
Figure 14 ^D324-List Statistics Example..............................................................29
Figure 15 Ethernet Port (426M) ...........................................................................32
Figure 16 Unlatching of the Print head (326M) ....................................................35
Figure 17 Removal of Therm al Card (326M)........................................................35
Figure 18 Internal Cleaning (326M) .....................................................................36
Figure 19 Print head Thermal Elements (326M)..................................................37
Figure 20 Gap Detector (326M)...........................................................................39
326M User’s Guide vii
Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M)
Figure 2 Rear Angled View (426M)
viii 326M User’s Guide
Introduction
The Models 326M and 426M are high performance, Direct Thermal open frame printers specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. With an Industrial quality design and steel construction, these printers provide continuous reliable printing at true high volume throughput. Economically priced and loaded with features, Models 326M and 426M reach print speeds up to 6 inches per second using a 32-bit microprocessor. Maintenance downtime is minimized with the use of a high lift, easy to clean, or replace print head. Both printers are able to be mounted into custom enclosures using front or bottom mounting.
This manual provides information needed to operate and maintain the 326M and 426M on a daily basis. The resident Label Design Software II (LDSII) is a powerful and easy-to-use control language that allows the creation of custom label formats. The software is AS text based and can be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and other special purpose machines. The LDSII language uses inches as the default unit of measure but may be set to use millimeters. All commands and parameters, unless noted otherwise, should be entered using the selected unit of measure. The conversion values for the printer, using the standard 203 dpi print head, are 8 dots per millimeter, 203 dots per inch, or 0.0049” per dot. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide (part# 880019-0100) for additional information regarding LDSII programming instructions.
Among many other features, LDSII supports downloadable graphics and fonts, serial numbering, flexible character spacing, reverse video, resident fonts, and many of the most popular bar code symbologies. Bitmapped fonts and bar codes may be multiplied in size in both the X and Y directions while being printed in 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree rotations. Graphic images and custom designed label formats may also be stored in the printer’s flash memory for high-speed access to achieve greater throughput performance.
The printers are capable of printing on most types of labels, pre-printed tickets, fax papers, and tag stocks or varying thickness. The 326M and 426M are also capable of detecting registration marks that enable it to print on media that contains die-cut, blow-hole, black-line sense marks, and continuous media. The printers also provide three different cutter types; full guillotine, full/partial guillotine, and rotary cutter. These cutter options provide a means of cutting media of varying thickness to handle even the most demanding applications.
Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This is not a problem for the 326M and 426M printers, data may be changed without downloading the same fixed format or fixed data field. This, along with the available serial communication speeds, increases data access time and productivity. Providing the user with high performance desired for a low cost.
326M User’s Guide 1
2 326M User’s Guide
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width * 9.25” (235mm) Height * 4.25” (108mm) Depth * 4” (102mm) Weight * 4.18 lbs. (1.9 kg) Electrical Auto-sensing 90-264 VAC ; 50-60 Hz Minimum Current 4.2 Amps Temperature 40° F – 104° F (5° C – 40° C) Operating Humidity 10% – 85%, non-condensing SRAM Memory 32MB Flash Memory 8MB
Agency Approvals Interface Communications:
RS-232 Serial Network Connectivity
RS-232, 9 pin D-Sub connector (DCE) 10BASE-T Flow Control: XON, XOFF, and CTS Parity: Odd, Even, and None Protocols: TCP/IP Data Bits: 7 or 8
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Version 1.1 supported
Table 1 General Specifications
Designed to meet CUL, CE, and to comply with FCC Class A.
Hosts: Windows® NT, 95, 98, and 2000
1.2 Printing Specifications
Print Type Direct Thermal Print Resolution
Maximum Print Speed
Maximum Print Width
Print Length
Table 2 Printing Specifications
* NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
based on final configuration.
203 DPI (8 dots/mm) 300 DPI (11.808 dots/mm) - optional
6”/sec. (152mm/sec.) 4”/sec. (102mm/sec.) with 300 DPI option
326M = 3.15 inches (80mm) 326M = 3.189 inches (81mm) with 300 DPI 426M = 4.094 inches (104mm) 426M = 4.252 inches (108mm) with 300 DPI
50” (1270mm) using standard memory 25” (635mm) with 300 DPI option
326M User’s Guide 3
Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types Maximum Media Thickness Maximum Media Width
Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled (up to 8” in diameter) or fanfold.
.010” (.25mm) * see note below. 326M = 3.5” (90mm) ** see note below.
426M = 4.5” (115mm) *** see note below.
Table 3 Media Specifications
The printers may be optimally configured with a fixed media guides to assist in the
installation of media.
*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 infor mation regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types.
**NOTE: The 326M 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 426M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 4.5” while the actual
printable width is 4.094” for the 203 DPI and 4.252” for the 300 DPI print head.
4 326M User’s Guide
2.1 Fonts
19 smooth bitmapped alphanumeric fonts from 6pt to 28pt including OCR-A
and OCR-B.
Downloadable font support. Bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width. Reverse image printing. Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
Chapter 2: Features and Options
2.2 Graphics
Lines and boxes. Direct Monochrome BMP image support. Store fonts, scripts and/or graphics. 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, EAN 8, EAN 13, UCC/EAN 128, and Postnet.
Two-dimensional: PDF-417 and Data Matrix Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.4 Special Features
Durable steel chassis that protects your investment, even in harsh
environments.
Rotating head mechanism for easy print head cleaning.
326M User’s Guide 5
Features and Options Chapter 2
Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or fixed media bracket. Software controlled contrast adjustment. Downloadable monochrome BMP image support. Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed. Remote printer interrogation. Ethernet capability. Standard USB version 1.1 capability. Detects label gap, blackline, and blowhole using reflective and transmissive
sensors.
Field incrementing, decrementing and serialization. Powerful Label Design Software (LDSII) that is easy to master. User storable Flash m em ory. On-site Flash memory updates.
2.5 Options
 Full or partial cutter available in 3” or 4” versions.  Rotary cutter available in 3” or 4” versions.  Label Present Sensor (LPS).  Configurable sensor (Input 1) that may be customized for different functions
including a Low Stock indicator.
300 DPI (11.808 dots/mm) resolution print head. Custom Media Handling +24VDC 100 W Power Supply Cleaning kit.
6 326M User’s Guide
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printers have been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage that may occur during the shipment of product.
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 components ordered are present and in good condition (see Figure 3 for an example). Additional items ordered may be included in the foam accessory tray.
The protective foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped. Additional shipping materials may be ordered by contacting the Microcom Corporation Service Department.
Figure 3 Printer Accessories (326M)
3.2 Connecting the Printer
Refer to Figure 4 and 5 for information regarding the proper printer connections.
326M User’s Guide 7
Getting Started Chapter 3
3.2.1 Printer Power
Microcom Corporation offers a “desk type” universal power adapter as an option for the 326M and 426M printers. Any power adapter that conforms to the necessary specifications, listed below, may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC 100 Watt power supply that operates in the 90-264 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4.2 Amps at a minimum. The power supply should operate in an “output foldback mode” during an overload situation rather than a shutdown and restart attempt (sometimes referred to as “Hiccup” mode). Contact your Microcom Corporation representative for any questions regarding power adapter requirements and/or specifications.
AC Input: 90-264 VAC, 50/60HZ DC Output: +24Vdc, 4.2 Amps Power Rating: 100 Watts Overload Mode: Output Foldback Mode Printer Power Connector: 4 Pin Power mini-DIN Connector
Table 4 Minimum Power Supply Specifications
Note: Verify that the power supply jack is plugged into the printer before
plugging the power cord into an electrical outlet
Figure 4 Connecting the Power Adapter (426M)
4-Pin Power Mini
Din Connector
8 326M User’s Guide
Chapter 3 Getting Started
Serial Port
3.2.2 Communication Interface
The printers may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose machines. The 326M and 426M printers offer a standard RS-232 serial port, USB (version
1.1), and 10BASE-TX Ethernet as standard communication interface.
10 BASE T
Ethernet Port
Figure 5 Communication Connections (426M)
Cutter
Figure 6 Optional Component Connections
LPD /
INPUT 2
USB
Port
Remote
Button
RS-232
INPUT 1 INPUT 3
326M User’s Guide 9
Getting Started Chapter 3
3.2.3 Optional Cutter Interface
The printer provides a connector on the rear panel for the optional cutter interface. Use this connector when a cutter is installed on the printer. To prevent damage to the printer and/or cutter, connect the cutter when the printer’s power is off. Refer to Figure 6 for the location of the cutter interface connector. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information regarding the “^D506)” and “^D740)” cutter control commands.
3.2.4 Optional LPD / INPUT 2 Sensor
Port 1 on the printer’s rear panel provides an extra input signal to the printer that may be used in conjunction with an optional sensor. This sensor is configured using the “^D508)”
command (refer to the LDSII Programming Guide) to set the desired polarity of the sensor.
Once the sensor is blocked or activated, the printer issues either the “>INPUT 2<” or >LABEL/TAG PRESENT<” enquiry response that may be defined by the user to identify
custom meanings. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information regarding the operational commands required to use this input.
3.2.5 Optional Remote Button
Port 2 on the printer’s rear panel provides an extra connection that may be used with a custom remote button in addition to the “Feed” button provided on the printer’s rear panel. This button is configured using the “^D541)” command (refer to the LDSII Programming
Guide) to set the desired operation of the button. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information regarding the operational commands required to use this port.
3.2.6 Optional INPUT 1 Sensor
Port 3 on the printer’s rear panel provides another input signal to the printer that may be used in conjunction with an optional sensor. This sensor is configured using the “^D509)”
command (refer to the LDSII Programming Guide) to set the desired polarity of the sensor.
Once the sensor is blocked or activated, the printer issues the “>INPUT 1<” enquiry
response that may be defined by the user to identify custom meanings. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional inform ation regarding the operational commands required to use this input.
3.2.7 Optional INPUT 3 Sensor
Port 4 on the printer’s rear panel provides an extra input signal to the printer that may be used in conjunction with an optional sensor. This port is not yet active but will provide an additional sensor input. Once the sensor is blocked or activated, the printer issues either the “>INPUT 3<” enquiry response that may be defined by the user to identify custom meanings.
10 326M User’s Guide
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