Microcom 485TC, 485T Operator's Manual

MODEL 485TC

DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

PART NUMBER: 880058-0100

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.

Products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. V

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 Printer Power 3-2

3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface 3-2

3.3.1 RS-232 Serial Cables ................................................................................... 3-3

3.3.2 RS-232 Serial RJ-12 ..................................................................................... 3-3

3.4 USB Communication Interface 3-4

3.5 Host USB Interface 3-4

3.6 Ethernet Communication Interface 3-4

3.7 Cash Drawer Option 3-4

3.7.1 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter Option ............................................................... 3-5

3.8 AUX Option 3-5

3.9 Loading Media 3-6

3.10 Print Button and Status Indicator Light 3-7

3.10.1 Print Button ................................................................................................... 3-7

3.10.2 Status Indicator Light .................................................................................... 3-8

3.11 Printer Modes 3-8

3.11.1 Ready Mode: GREEN .................................................................................. 3-8

3.11.2 Halted Mode: RED ................................................................ ....................... 3-8

3.11.3 Diagnostic Mode ........................................................................................... 3-9

3.11.3.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode ......................................................................... 3-9

3.11.3.2 Statistics Label .......................................................................................... 3-9

3.11.3.3 Test Ticket ............................................................................................... 3-10

3.12 TOF Sensor 3-10

3.13 Media Roll Holder Option 3-12

3.14 Ticket Catch Tray Option 3-12

3.15 Wristband Media Adapter Option 3-13

3.16 Qualsoft Windows Driver 3-14

3.16.1 Installing the Windows Driver ...................................................................... 3-14

3.16.2 Configuring the Driver ................................................................................. 3-18

3.16.3 Printer Properties Page - General tab ......................................................... 3-19

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 i

3.16.4 Printer Properties Page - Ports tab ............................................................. 3-20

3.16.5 Printing Preferences - About tab ................................................................. 3-21

3.16.6 Printing Preferences - Print tab ................................................................... 3-21

3.16.6.1 Print tab - Advanced ................................................................................ 3-22

3.16.7 Print tab - Halftone Adjustment ................................................................... 3-22

3.16.8 Print tab - Halftone Properties ..................................................................... 3-23

3.16.9 Print tab - User Commands ......................................................................... 3-23

3.16.10 Printing Preferences - Paper tab ................................................................. 3-24

3.16.10.1 Paper tab - Rotation ............................................................................. 3-24

3.16.10.2 Paper tab - Units .................................................................................. 3-24

3.16.10.3 Paper tab - Page Sizes ........................................................................ 3-24

3.16.10.4 Paper tab - Mirror ................................................................................. 3-24

3.16.10.5 Paper tab - Default ............................................................................... 3-25

3.16.11 Printing Preferences - Media tab ................................................................. 3-25

3.16.11.1 Media tab - Settings ............................................................................. 3-25

3.16.11.2 Media tab - Feed Options ..................................................................... 3-26

3.16.12 Printing Preferences - Presenter tab ........................................................... 3-27

3.16.12.1 Presenter tab - Configuration ............................................................... 3-28

3.16.12.2 Configuration - Modes .......................................................................... 3-28

3.16.12.3 Configuration - Advanced ..................................................................... 3-29

3.16.13 Printing Preferences - Modification tab ....................................................... 3-29

3.16.13.1 Modification - No of Labels ................................................................... 3-29

3.16.13.2 Modification - Print Speed (inch/s) ....................................................... 3-29

3.16.13.3 Modification - Disable Status ................................................................ 3-29

3.16.14 Printing Preferences - Save/Restore tab ..................................................... 3-31

3.16.14.1 Save/Restore - Restore settings from file… ......................................... 3-31

3.16.14.2 Save/Restore - Save settings to file….................................................. 3-31

3.16.14.3 Save/Restore - Restore factory defaults… ........................................... 3-31

3.16.15 Status Messages ......................................................................................... 3-31

3.16.15.1 PRINTER_STATUS_WAITING ............................................................ 3-32

3.16.15.2 PRINTER_STATUS_BUSY ................................................................. 3-32

3.16.15.3 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_OUT...................................................... 3-32

3.16.15.4 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_JAM ...................................................... 3-32

3.16.15.5 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_PROBLEM ............................................ 3-32

3.16.15.6 PRINTER_STATUS_USER_INTERVENTIO N .................................... 3-32

3.16.15.7 PRINTER_STATUS_OFFLINE ............................................................ 3-32

3.16.15.8 PRINTER_STATUS_OUTPUT_BIN_FULL .......................................... 3-32

3.16.15.9 PRINTER_STATUS_DOOR_OPEN .................................................... 3-32

3.16.15.10 PRINTER_STATUS_IO_ACTIVE ........................................................ 3-32

3.17 Configuration Application 3-33

3.17.1 Selecting a Device ...................................................................................... 3-33

3.17.1.1 Configuration Application - Serial (USB / RS-232) ................................... 3-33

3.17.1.2 Configuration Application - USB HID ....................................................... 3-34

3.17.1.3 Configuration Application - Ethernet ........................................................ 3-34

3.17.2 Configuring a device ................................................................................... 3-34

3.17.2.1 Applying changes .................................................................................... 3-35

3.17.2.2 Reverting changes ................................................................................... 3-35

3.17.2.3 Saving/loading configuration files ............................................................ 3-35

3.17.3 Application preferences ............................................................................... 3-35

ii 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100

CHAPTER 4 PRINTER MAINTENANCE 4-1

4.1 Maintenance Schedule 4-1

4.2 Thermal Printer Cleaning Card 4-1

4.3 Internal Cleaning 4-3

4.4 Print Head Maintenance 4-4

4.5 Replacing the Drive Roller 4-5

4.6 Adjusting Printhead Pressure 4-7

CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 5-1

5.1 Troubleshooting Tips 5-1

INDEX 6-1

General Index 6-1 List of Figures 6-5 List of Tables 6-7

APPENDIX 7-1

Appendix A: Limited Warranty 7-1 Appendix B: RMA Procedure 7-3 Glossary 7-5 Appendix C: User Notes 7-9

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 iii

iv 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100

Introduction

The Model 485TC printer has been designed to provide solutions for the ticketing industry. The printer uses the same reliable print mechanism found in the Model 428TM and 438TM printers. The print mechanism has been designed with a 4” printhead capable of printing up to 8” per second and is available in 203 or 300 dpi. The printer may be used as a graphics printer or as an FGL emulation printer.

485TC Rear Side View

485TC Front Side View

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vi 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100

Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

1.1 General Specifications

Width* 7.3” (185 mm) Height* 7.4” (188 mm) Depth* 5.8” (148 mm) Weight* 10.2 lbs. (4.6 kg) Electrical +24 VDC Current 3.5 Amps maximum Temperature 40° F – 104° F (5° C – 40° C), operating Humidity 10% – 85%, non-condensing RAM Memory 256 Mb Flash Memory 512 Mb Agency Approvals RoHS, FCC Class A, cTUVus Interface Communications RS232, USB, and Ethernet Ports

Flow Control CTS/RTS Hardware Baud Rate Up to 115200 Parity Odd, Even, and None Data Bits 7 or 8

Table 1-1 General Specifications

* NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary

based on final configuration.

1.2 Printing Specifications

Print Type Direct Thermal Print Resolution Maximum Print Speed Up to 10”/sec. (250 mm/sec.) Maximum Print Width Maximum Print Length 26” (660 mm)

Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)

Table 1-2 Printing Specifications

203 DPI (8 dots/mm = 0.0049” per dot) 300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot)

203 DPI = 4.098” (104.10mm); 832 dots 300 DPI = 4.252” (108 mm); 1,280 dots

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 1-1

Printer Specifications Chapter 1

1.3 Media Specifications

Media Types Maximum Media Thickness* .011” (.28 mm)

Maximum Media Width

Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled or fanfold

4.375” (111 mm)

*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.

Table 1-3 Media Specifications

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2.1 Fonts

· 16 resident bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts.

· Downloadable scalable fonts.

· 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.

· Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non-

volatile FLASH memory.

· Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.

2.3 Bar codes

Chapter 2: Features and Options

· 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

· Postnet.

· Planet Code

· Two-dimensional

· GS1 Databar

Omni Directional Truncated Stacked Stacked Omni-

directional Limited Expanded

· PDF-417

· Maxi code

· GS1 Data matrix

· Aztec

· Softstrip

· QR Code

· Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and

270 º.

· Expandable in height and width.

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 2-1

Features and Options Chapter 2

2.4 Special Features

· Easy print head cleaning

· Tool less platen roller replacement

· Adjustable media guides for easy label centering

· Automatically adjustable reflective blackline sensor in media guide

· Software controlled contrast adjustment

· Detects label gap, black line, and blow-hole using reflective and

transmissive sensors

· Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed

· Remote printer interrogation

· On-site programmable flash memory updates

· Autoload / Alignment of media

2.5 Options

· +24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply

· 300 dpi print head

· Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter

· Ethernet Port

· Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly

· Low Paper Sensor Assembly

· Wristband Option

· Paper Supply Holders

· Media Catch Trays

· Cleaning kit

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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 438TC 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

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Getting Started Chapter 3

RS232 Port

USB Port

Ethernet Port

ON/OFF Switch

Power

Connection

Figure 3-2 Printer Rear Panel

External Media

Entry Slot

Optional Rj12

Serial

Optional Cash

Drawer Port

AUX Port

Host USB Port

3.2 Printer Power

The printer has a universal auto-sensing internal power supply that operates in the 100-240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range. The three-prong female end of the power cord plugs into the mating connector located on the back of the printer.

3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface

The printer provides a 9-pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232 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 3-1 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 hardware handshaking enabled. The baud rate is user selectable from 110 to 115,200 and uses software XON/XOFF flow control and/or hardware CTS/RTS 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 are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would require them.

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Chapter 3 Getting Started

Pin 1

RJ12

3.3.1 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.

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

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 -

State

1 HI 1 DCD

5 LO 5 GND

DE-9 Pin #

Signals /

Directions

DB-25

Pin #

DCD 8 RXD 3

TXD 2 DSR 20 GND 7

DTR 6

CTS 4

RTS 5

DC = DO NOT CARE XX = INDETERMINATE

Table 3-1 RS-232 Cable Configurations

3.3.2 RS-232 Serial RJ-12

The printer is configured with a DB9 RS232 connecter by default but may be also configured with the optional RJ12 connector. The figure below shows the wiring diagram of the RJ12 connection.

9 Pin RJ12 Signal

2 2 TXD 3 3 RXD 5 4 GND 6 1 DTR 8 6 CTS

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 3-3

Figure 3-3 RJ12 Serial Option Wiring

Getting Started Chapter 3

Pin 1

- DR1

Pin 3

- DR2

Pin 2

- DO

3.4 USB Communication Interface

The printer is configured as a USB HID device so no specific drivers need to be installed. Connecting the printer to the HOST system will install the printer.

3.5 Host USB Interface

The Host USB connector on the rear panel of the printer is used for updating the printer’s application, Bootloader, and the fonts stored in the printer. Contact your Sales Representative for additional information.

3.6 Ethernet Communication Interface

The printer is configured with a 10/100 BASE T Ethernet that is configured for DHCP out of the box. After one minute of idle time after a power up, if a connection is not established, the printer will switch to a static IP Address of 192.168.200.3 with a Subnet of

255.255.255.0 on port 9100. The printer also has a resident Web Server running on IP 192.168.200.3 that may be used

to configure the printer as well.

3.7 Cash Drawer Option

The printer provides a DB15 connector to support the use of 24v cash drawer applications. The Draw Kick-out solenoid current must be 1 amp or less to avoid current overloads. This option is only available when using the FGL Emulation mode.

Figure 3-4 Cash Drawer Pin-out

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Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.7.1 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter Option

Some cash drawers may use a RJ12 connector instead of the DB15 connector. The RJ12 adapter (060437-1000) is available as an optional component for these applications.

RJ12 Wire Color DB-15

1 WHITE X 2 BLACK 1 3 RED X 4 GREEN 2 5 YELLOW 3 6 BLUE X

Table 3-2 RJ12 Adapter Pin-out

Figure 3-5 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter

3.8 AUX Option

The AUX port option or auxiliary port on the printer is for custom application support.

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Getting Started Chapter 3

3.9 Loading Media

Loading media into the printer is an easy process. Follow the instructions below to properly adjust the paper guides and load the media.

1. Loosen the green thumbscrew at the back of the printer to adjust the green media guides so that the media contacts both sides of the green guides.

2. Retighten the green thumbscrew once the guides have been adjusted.

3. Feed the media into the paper path, between the green guides, until you feel resistance.

4. Once the printer detects paper in the printer, it will automatically feed and align the paper so that it is properly positioned.

5. If the Autoload feature is disabled, you may also manually feed the paper through the printer by lifting the print head release at the top of the printer and feeding the paper through the printer.

6. Also, if the print button is pushed and held, the printer will manually feed the media through the printer.

7. Once the media exits the front of the printer, release the Print Button.

Loosen thumb

screw to adjust the

guide, retighten the

thumbscrew when

finished

Figure 3-6 Loading Media

Insert media between the

guides until

resistance is felt

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Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.10 Print Button and Status Indicator Light

The Print Button and the Status Indicator Light are used to identify and perform many functions. This section provides a description to familiarize you with the basic function of the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light.

Figure 3-7 Print Button and Status Indicator Light

Status Light

Button

3.10.1 Print Button

Operation Description

Button Press A button press is used to generate a Test Ticket and to clear

errors.

Button Pressed

and Held In

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 3-7

Pressing and holding the button in will cause a line feed in certain language modes.

Table 3-3 Print Button Description

Getting Started Chapter 3

3.10.2 Status Indicator Light

Light Color Description

Solid Green

Solid Red

Indicates that the power is on and the printer is in a ready state.

Indicates an error has occurred. The printer will remain in this state until the condition is removed. If an unexplained error persists, contact your Service Representative.

Solid Amber

Flashing Red

Indicates that the printer is in the Boot Loader mode (MCB) and is not running the printer application program.

A cutter error has occurred. OR A memory download operation was not successful. OR Power Spike or low voltage on the AC line. (The printer will remain in this mode until the condition is removed and the printer power is cycled.)

Table 3-4 Status Indicator Light Description

3.11 Printer Modes

The printer has three primary modes of operation. The different types of modes have an impact on how the Print Button and the Status Indicator Light operate. This section is intended to provide the user with an explanation of these different modes.

3.11.1 Ready Mode: GREEN

The printer is in the READY Mode when it is ready to print or has no pending activity. The indicator light is GREEN, which indicates that the printer is ready to receive label formats and/or commands.

Pressing the print button while in this mode generates a test ticket that contains setup information about the printer. It is helpful to determine what mode it is in, what communication port is active, and general operational details/

3.11.2 Halted Mode: RED

The printer is in the HALTED Mode when it has stopped due to an error condition. The Status Indicator Light will be solid red in color when the printer has entered the HALTED Mode. The printer will remain in this mode until the error has been corrected and cleared. Once the error has been cleared, the printer will return to the Ready mode.

Pressing the button in this mode will cause the printer to attempt to clear the error and return the printer to Ready mode.

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Chapter 3 Getting Started

3.11.3 Diagnostic Mode

The Diagnostic Mode temporarily powers up the printer using factory default parameters. Also, the printer’s current user configuration parameters and statistical information are printed out on a Status Label. This provides useful information to help diagnose and troubleshoot problems. The printer will use the factory default parameters until the printer has been reset using a soft reset or by cycling power. The printer will then return to the configuration shown on the Status Label.

3.11.3.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode

To enter the Diagnostic Mode, press and hold the Print Button “IN” while turning the printer “ON.” Release the Print Button after printer light changes to green. The printer will enter the DIAGNOSTICS Mode, and print the Statistics label and a print test pattern.

3.11.3.2 Statistics Label

The Statistics Label may be printed by entering the DIAGNOSTICS Mode.

Figure 3-8 Statistics Label Example

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Getting Started Chapter 3

3.11.3.3 Test Ticket

The test ticket does not require that the printer be in the Diagnostics mode but it extremely useful while troubleshooting the printer if problems arise. To generate a Test Ticket, simply press the button and the test ticket prints out.

Figure 3-9 Test Ticket Example

3.12 TOF Sensor

The TOF Sensor is used to detect when media is present and is used in conjunction with the Top-Of-Form operation. A TOF is when the printer uses the sensor to detect the edge of the media and retracts the configured distance. See the D121 and D123 commands for more details regarding the TOF operation.

A potentiometer adjusts the distance over which the LPD sensor will detect reflections. The maximum range may be adjusted over a distance of 0.20” to 0.85”. Distances are measured from the surface of the sensor to the reflecting surface. The sensor is set to the maximum detection at the factory. This pot may be used to decrease sensor range to avoid false reflections from stationary objects such as a cutter.

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Microcom 485TC, 485T Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual