SATO MB200, MB-201i User Manual

MB200/201

Direct Thermal

Printer

Operator’s Manual

i

©

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in
any form whatsoever without the express permission of
SATO Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. The materials in this document is
provided for general information and is subject to change
without notice. SATO Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. assumes no
responsibilities for any errors that may appear.

Warning: This equipment complies with the
requirements in Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B
computing device. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may cause unacceptable interference
to radio and TV reception requiring the operator to
take whatever steps are necessary to correct the
interference.

SATO Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

438A Alexandra Road

#05-01/02, Alexandra Technopark

Singapore 119967

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.satoworldwide.com

Version: SI-MB20xi-01rA-02-05-OM

ii

Safety Precautions

As a preventive measure to ensure safe usage of this
machine so as to safeguard against damage to
yourself, other people or property, there are many
display diagrams used in this instruction manual and
on this machine. The displays and their meanings are
illustrated in the following pages. Please take time to
read and understand the content.

Warning

Attention

If this display and its warning is
ignored, any mishandling could
result in death or serious
injuries.

If this display and its warning is
ignored, any mishandling could
result in serious injuries as well
as damage to properties.

iii

Safety Precautions

Explanation of hazard symbols

The triangle sign means ‘Be

careful’. The content within the triangle
illustrates specific hazards. In this case,
the sign on the left means ‘beware of
electric shock’.

The circular sign means ‘prohibited’.
The content within the circle illustrates a
specific prohibition. In this case the sign
on the left means ‘disassembly
prohibited’.

The black circular sign means
‘must do’. The content within the sign
illustrates specific items that must be
carried out. In this case the sign on the
left means ‘the plug must be unplugged from the
socket’.

Example

Example

Example

iv

Warning

Warnings

Liquids

Do not place any liquids or small metallic objects near
the printer. Should any of these fall into the printer,
immediately turn off the power and contact your
nearest dealer or service center. Continued use
increases the risk of fire or electric shocks.

Foreign Matter

Do not insert or drop metallic or flammable objects
into the openings of the printer (such as outlets for
cables). If this happens, immediately turn off the
power and contact your nearest dealer or service
center. Continued use increases the risk of fire or
electric shocks.

Foreign Matter

Should the printer be dropped or become damaged,
immediately turn off the power and contact your
nearest dealer or service center. Continued use
increases the risk of fire or electric shocks.

v

Warning

Warnings

Abnormal Conditions

Continued use of the printer while it is emitting smoke
or strange odors increases the risk of fire or electric
shocks. Immediately turn off the power and contact
your nearest dealer or service center. Do not try to
service the printer by yourself.

Disassembly

Never try to take the unit apart or modify it in any
way. Doing so increases the risk of fire or electric
shocks. Contact your nearest dealer or service center
for repairs.

Battery care

Never try to take apart the battery pack or modify it in
any way. Never expose the battery to direct heat or
fire, or take any actions that may lead to physical
damage. When charging the battery pack, be sure to
use the printer or the specified battery charger.

vi

Warning

Warnings

Power Supply Precautions

• Use only the specified voltage and use only the
specified battery charger.

• Never use the battery charger with any other battery
pack except for the specified type. Doing so can
rupture the battery, or cause leakage, fire or electric
shocks.

• Never cut, damage or modify the power cord. Also,
never place heavy objects on the power cord or
heat or pull the power cord. Doing so may damage
the cord.

• Should the power cord ever become seriously
damaged (internal wiring exposed or shorted),
contact your nearest dealer or service center for
repair.

• Never modify, excessively bend, twist, or pull the
power cord.

Continued use of the printer in any of the above
situations can lead to increased risks of fire or electric
shocks.

vii

Cautions

Location

Do not locate the printer in the area subjected to high
humidity or dew. If dew forms inside the printer,
immediately turn off the printer and do not use it until
all moisture has dried up. Continued use creates the
danger of electric shock or the printer damage.

Power

Do not use wet hands to operate the power switch,
replace the battery pack or unplug the AC adapter or
battery charger. Doing so increases the risk of electric
shock.

Hazardous parts

• The entire thermal head gets very hot after printing.
Avoid touching any part of it when replacing paper
or cleaning the printer.

• Do not try to replace the thermal head by yourself.

• The cutter contains a blade, so be careful not to get
cut by the sharp blade.

viii

Warnings

Replacing the Battery Pack

• Use only specified replacement battery packs.

• Make sure to install the pack in the correct direction
to avoid the danger of injury or damage to
surrounding areas.

• To replace small-size rechargeable (Lithium ion)
batteries, seal the old battery pack with tape and
ask our sales representative or service center about
disposal methods. Do not place the battery pack
together with other batteries such as dry batteries.

Long periods of non usage

If you have no plan to use the print for a long time,
remove the battery pack from the printer and unplug
the AC adapter from the wall outlet.

Maintenance and Cleaning

For safe maintenance or cleaning of the printer, make
sure to remove the battery pack and the AC adapter
from the printer.

ix

Other Precautions

Avoid placement in extreme temperatures

Do not place the printer in highly humid areas or at
outside the -15°C to 50°C temperature range.

When the printer is being transported...

The normal vibration encountered during
transportation is acceptable, but avoid dropping the
printer or exposing it to extreme vibrations.

Do not disassemble or modify the printer

The printer has high-precision components inside
requiring fine adjustments.

Use only the specified cables

Special cables are required to connect to external
equipment through the external input terminals.
Contact your nearest dealer or service center if
necessary.

Use only specified options

Do not use a device not specified as option.

Use the specified paper

Use the specified paper to avoid printing errors and to
avoid damaging the print head.

x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Precautions ............................................. iii

Explanation of hazard symbols .......................... iv

Warnings ............................................................ v

Cautions ............................................................. viii

Replacing the Battery Pack ............................... ix

Other Precautions .............................................. x

Introduction .......................................... 1-1

Notes on Bluetooth/Wireless Communication.... 1-2

Setup ..................................................... 2-1

Unpacking the printer......................................... 2-1

Part Names ........................................................ 2-2

Functions of various parts .................................. 2-4

Charging the battery pack with a charger........... 2-5

Charging the battery pack with the printer.......... 2-7

Using the battery pack ....................................... 2-8

Using the optional AC Adapter for power........... 2-10

Operation and Configur ati on ...... .. .... ... . 3-1

Performing a Test Print ...................................... 3-2

Printing via the RS-232C Interface..................... 3-3

Printing via the IrDA Interface ............................ 3-4

Printing via the Wireless LAN Interface.............. 3-5

Printing via the Bluetooth Interface .................... 3-6

1

Interface Specifications ....................... 4-1

Cleaning and Maintenance ................... 5-1

Cleaning the Print Head ..................................... 5-1

Cleaning the Platen and Peel Roller ................... 5-2

Troubleshooting .................................... 6-1

Basic Specifications and Optional Accesso-

ries......................................................... 7-1

Basic Specifications ............................................ 7-1

Optional Accessories..........................................7-7

2

Introduction

1

INTRODUCTION

This manual is intended to familiarize you with the
basic features and operation of the MB200/201
barcode printer in a short time.

Key features:

• High speed CPU and printing speed

• Long battery life

• Supports Infrared, RS232 and Bluetooth I/O

• Durable and rugged design

• Supports media up to 67 mm in width

• Supports the Mobile Programming Language or

Sato Basic Programming Language of the MB200

Please read this manual* carefully to make full use of
this product.

i

* All information herein was correct at the time of this

document’s release. Revised versions of this document
are created to match updates in firmware and procedures.

1-1

Introduction

Notes on Bluetooth/Wireless Communication

Compliance Statement

This product has been certified for compliance with the
relevant radio interference regulations of your country
or region. To ensure continued compliance, do not:

• Disassemble or modify this product

• Remove the certificate label (serial number seal) af­fixed to this product

Use of this product near microwave and/or other wire­less LAN equipment, or where static electricity or radio
interference is present, may shorten the communica­tion distance, or even disable communication.

“Bluetooth” is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG,

Inc., USA., and is used herein under licence

Caution: Before using the wireless LAN interface,
make all the security settings of the wireless LAN
equipment are configured in accordance with the
instructions supplied with the equipment.

.

1-2

Setup

2

SETUP

Unpacking the printer

If any component shown here is missing, contact
your nearest dealer or service center.

Notes:

The printer is shipped with an integrated belt holder. Cushioning
material may vary for different regions. An external battery charger is
available separately but is a standard item in the Starter kit.

2-1

Setup

Part Names

2-2

Part Names (cont’d)

Setup

2-3

Setup

Functions of various parts

RS-232C
Interface

RS-232C
cover

Cover Opens up to allow the installa-

Cover
Open/
Close
lever

Easy cut­ter

IrDA filter Contains the IrDA (infrared)

DIP switch Sets the op erati on mode o f the

Dispenser
unit

Allows connection to a comput er
or handy terminal

Protect s the RS-23 2C connector
from dust and damage

tion of la bels

Enables the user to releases the
cover, or to lock the cover shut

Cuts printed labels Label w idth

sensor and emitter

printer. (See page 4-1.)

Moved to select
Dispense mode

Label
guide

Label
guide
adjust dial

Cover for
Label
guide
adjust dial

Label o ut­put area

markings

DC input
jack

Cover for
DC input
jack

FEED key Press to feed label

Set to meet the size
of the labe l used

Allows ad justment of the label
guide to fit the width of an
installed label roll

Protects the labe l guide adjust­ment dial from dust or damage

This is the area where the
printed label is output

Indicates the width of label
installed or in use.

Connects to AC adap ter which
supplies direct current to the
printer

Protects the DC input terminal
and DIP switch fro dust and
damage

POWER
key

Battery
cover

Battery
indicator
(LED)

2-4

All ows the user to turn s ON/OF F
the printer

Cover for special
battery pack

Indicates the am ount of ba ttery
power remaining for the printer

PRINT key Takes the printer Online

Status L ED Indicates th e

Belt clip Suspends the printer on a belt,

or Offlin e

status of the pri nter. (See pages
3-13,3-14, 6-1 and 6-2)

to allow greater mobility

* Do not hang the printer on to
anything but a b elt

Setup

Charging the battery pack with a charger

If your printer comes with the optional battery
charger, you can use it to charge the supplied battery
pack. Follow the steps below:

1. Connect the charger to the
wall outlet and turn on the
power. The POWER lamp
lights red.

2. Align the battery pack with its
metal contacts facing front,
and slide it forward into the
charger.

The CHARGE lamp lights red

when charging starts. It
turns off when the battery
pack is fully charged. In the
case of a five-battery
charger, when charging
starts, the CHARGE lamp
glows red. It then glows
green when the battery
packs are fully charged.

metal contacts

3. After charging, remove the
battery pack from the
charger by sliding it out.

2-5

Setup

Notes:

• If the POWER lamp does not light when you turn on
the power, check the power cord connection.

• If the CHARGE lamp does not light at the start of
charging, make sure the battery pack is firmly
mounted into the charger. Poor mounting of the
battery pack may result in faulty charging.

• When the fully charged battery pack is placed into
the battery charger, the CHARGE lamp turns on
and then off. In the case of the five-socket charger,
the CHARGE lamp lights green.

• When charging a battery pack that has not been
used for a long time, the CHARGE lamp may blink
for a while. This does not indicate an error. You can
continue charging.

• The battery pack can be recharged over about 300
times (when used at normal temperatures). If the
battery pack is fully charged but runs out quickly,
replace it with a new battery.

Charging Time

It takes about 2.5 hours for a fully discharged battery
pack to return to a fully charged state.

2-6

Setup

Charging the battery pack with the printer

If your printer comes with the optional AC adapter, the
printer can be used to charge the supplied battery
pack. Follow the steps below:

1. Remove the cover of the
printer’s DC input jack
and connect the AC
adapter’s DC output
terminal to it.

2. Connect the AC adapter
to the wall outlet and turn
on the power. The
POWER lamp on the
adapter lights green.

Charging starts and the

battery indicator on the
printer lights red. When the battery pack is fully
charged, the battery indicator goes off.

In the case of the MB200/201i Wireless LAN

interface model, the CHARGE LED on the LCD
screen lights red when charging starts, and goes
off when charging is complete.

Charging Time

With the AC adapter, it takes about 5 hours for the battery
pack to reach full charge from a fully discharged state.

2-7

Setup

Using the battery pack

Turn the printer off before removing or replacing the
battery.

Insertion

1. Unlatch the battery
compartment cover.

2. Align the battery pack so
that its metal terminals
are facing forward. Insert
the battery pack while
pressing and holding the
gray hook. Close the
battery cover.

Removal

Push aside the gray hook in
the compartment. The
battery pack is released
upwards. To pull out the
battery pack, make use of
the tape that is attached to
the top part of the battery
pack.

2-8

Setup

Using the battery pack (cont’d)

Notes

Remove the battery pack only when the STATUS
LED is OFF. When the printer is turned off, the
STATUS LED goes off. Do not remove the battery
while the STATUS LED is on. Otherwise, the
information stored in the printer may not be updated.

2-9

Setup

Using the optional AC Adapter for power

If your printer comes with the optional AC
adapter, the printer can be operated on AC
power instead of the supplied battery pack.
Follow the steps below:

1. Remove the cover of the
printer’s DC input jack
and connect the AC
adapter’s DC output
terminal to it.

2. Connect the AC adapter
to the wall outlet and turn
on the power. The
POWER lamp on the
adapter lights green.

Notes:

Be sure to turn the printer power off when removing
the DC output terminal of AC adapter or
disconnecting the power source. Otherwise, the
information stored in the printer may not be updated.

2-10

Setup

Using the optional AC Adapter for power

Notes (cont’d)

A battery pack is unnecessary when an AC adapter is
used. If a battery pack and an AC adapter are being
used at the same time, the printer will attempt to
charge the battery pack (if it is not already fully
charged).

2-11

Setup

Installing the label roll

The method of installing label media varies with
your choice of the two possible print modes—
’continuous’ or ‘dispense’ mode.

1. Make sure you can see the
red platen roller. If not, slide
the dispenser unit down, by
lifting its top edge upwards
at the two arrow marks.
Now push the dark gray
Cover Open/Close lever
downwards to release the
cover.

2. Place the label roll into the
printer. Make sure the label
roll is placed with the first
label feeding from the
bottom of the roll and not
from the top (see picture).

2-12

Dispenser

unit

Ensure that the first label

emerges from the botto m

(not top) of the roll.

Setup

Installing the label roll (cont’d)

3. Lift up the label guide adjust
dial cover and turn the dial
till the label guides press
loosely against label roll.

Turn the label roll lightly by
the hand and confirm that it
rotates smoothly. O therwise
paper may not be fed
correctly during operation.
Close the dial cover.

* When replacing a label roll

of the same width as that
used previously,
adjustment of the label
guide is not necessary.

4. Close the cover after confirming that the leading

edge of the label is outside the printer.

This completes the label installation for
continuous mode operation.

2-13

Setup

Installing the label roll (cont’d)

For operating in the Dispense mode, the
following label loading procedures apply.

1. Make sure you can see the
red platen roller. If not, slide
the dispenser unit down, by
lifting its top edge upwards
at the two arrow marks.
Now push the dark gray
Cover Open/Close lever
downwards to release the
cover.

2. Peel the first label on the
top of the label.

This step is
unnecessary when a non­separate label is used.

2-14

Dispenser

unit

Installing the label roll (cont’d)

Setup

3. Insert the label roll into
the printer. Make sure the
first label emerges from
the bottom (not top) of the
roll.

4. Lift up the label guide
adjust dial cover and turn
the dial till the label
guides press loosely
against label roll. Turn the
label roll lightly by hand
and confirm that it rotates
smoothly. Otherwise the
paper may not be fed
correctly during
operation. Close the dial
cover.

* When replacing a label

roll of the same width as
that used previously,
adjustment of the label
guide is not necessary.

Ensure that the first label

emerges from the bottom

(not top) of the roll.

2-15

Setup

Installing the label roll (cont’d)

3. Close the cover after
confirming that the leading
edge of the label is outside
the printer by at least
10mm.

*

When using non­separate labels, press
the FEED button to feed
a piece of label and pull
the label upward to cut it
along the perforation. If
the label becomes
jammed, retry the label
setting procedure.

4. Push the dispenser unit
forward so that it covers
the red platen roller.

This completes the label installation for
Dispense mode operation. To resume operation
in Continuous mode, lift the top edge of the
dispenser unit (where two arrow marks are
imprinted) to it downwards. In Continuous
mode, the red platen roller will be visible.

2-16

Operation and Configuration

3

OPERATION AND
CONFIGURATION

After setting up the printer and label roll in Section 2,
you can now operate the printer properly.

Turning the printer ON

Press and hold the
POWER button. When the
STATUS LED lights
green, release the button

Turning the printer OFF

Press and hold the
POWER button again.
When the STATUS LED
goes off, release the
button.

3-1

Operation and Configuration

Performing a Test Print

Users can perform test prints to evaluate the print
quality and also diagnose problems.

1. Set the printer DIP switch for

Test Print mode as shown
on pages 4-2/4-3.

2. Press the POWER button

while pressing and holding
down the FEED button. The
printer enters the test mode.
Press the FEED button
again to do a test print.

3. Verify the following using the
output of the test printing.

• All printed characters are
solid black, without any chipped areas.

• Overall print quality is readable and sharp.

A low battery condition may affect the print quality.
Make sure the printer is running on AC or on a full
battery during a test print.

Notes:

If any fault is detected, contact your SATO dealer or
service center. Before asking for a repair, please read
the Troubleshooting section of this manual.

3-2

Operation and Configuration

Printing via the RS-232C Interface

Use the following procedure to print by connecting to
a computer or a handy terminal through an RS-232C
cable option.

1. Locate the RS-232C
interface port cover and lift
it up to expose the port.

2. Plug one end of the RS­232C cable firmly into the
port. Make sure that the
arrow mark on the
connector of the RS- 232C cable matches with the
arrow mark by the side of the printer’s port.

3. Plug the other end of the RS-232C cable to the
corresponding RS-232C connector of the computer
or handy terminal. For information on the host
device RS-232C connector, refer to the relevant
instruction manual.

3-3

Operation and Configuration

Printing via the IrDA Interface

Use the following procedure to print through
IrDA interface.

1. Place the printer 20 cm away from the IrDA port of
the computer or handy terminal. Adjust the printer
position so that the center of its IrDA filter projects
a 30° conical area which contains the IrDA
transceiver of the computer or handy terminal.

IrDA communication is limited to a 15 to 20 cm range.
The usable range may vary depending on the
usage environment, or the capabilities of other IrDA devices.
Communication is compromised by direct sunlight or

ambient light. In such a case, block the strong light from
entering the IrDA filter, or reduce the distance between the
two IrDA ports.

3-4

Operation and Configuration

Printing via the Wireless LAN Interface

To print using the Wireless LAN MB200/201i, you
need to have a properly configured wireless LAN set
up. The next step is to configure the MB200/201i to
share the same network settings in order to establish
communication.

1) Check the DIP Switches:

The printer’s DIP switches are factory set for WLAN
operation. Check that Dip switch 1 is OFF and Dip switch 2 is

ON. In case you need to reset other switches, refer to the full
DIP-Switch table in the next chapter, Interface Specifications.

2) Setup a connection to the Wireless Network

The next step is to ensure that your printer is
configured with the proper IP address, subnet mask,

gateway, SSID, Channel, WLAN mode and
security settings. Refer to your MIS personnel for

details of your existing wireless network settings.
Your SATO-certified System Integrator/dealer can
help to set up the connection to your corporate
wireless network. To configure the printer yourself,
consult them for the necessary software tools.

Note
When printing with the WLAN interface, the usable
range between the printer and the host may vary
depending on the usage environment and the
capabilities of the connected devices.

3-5

Operation and Configuration

Printing via the Bluetooth Interface

To print using the Bluetooth-enabled version of
MB200/201i, you need to have a bluetooth-enabled
computing device. Two more steps are required.

1) Check the DIP Switches:

The printer’s DIP switches are factory set for bluetooth
operation. Check that Dip switch 1 is OFF and Dip switch 2 is

ON. This is the main setting for Bluetooth operation. In case you
need to reset othe r switches, refer to the full DIP-Switch table in
the next chapter, Interface Specifications.

2) Synchronize Bluetooth settings

After setting the DIP-switches, the next step is to
ensure that both bluetooth devices are configured to
operate with the same PIN code and Authentication
mode settings. Refer to the instruction manual of the
computing device for details on how to set these
parameters.

For the MB200/201i, these parameters can be set by
a SATO-certified System Integrator/dealer, or by
using Bluetooth communication software available
from your SATO dealer or service center.

Note
When printing with the Bluetooth interface, the usable
range between the printer and the host may vary
depending on the usage environment and the
capabilities of the connected devices.

3-6

Operation and Configuration

Optional LCD screen

The Wireless LAN version of the printer is factory­fitted with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The screen
can display the following information:

Dispense Mode Manual/Auto status

Test Print mode

Battery
strength

Two -li ne
text
display

Battery strength: Three-segment indicator. When all
segments are lit, voltage level is greater than 8.0 V.
Two segments indicator a level of between 7.8 V and

7.9 V. One segment indicates a level of between 7.6V
and 7.7 V. When all segments are off (voltage level
below 7.5 V, printing is not possible.)

Signal strength: Three-segment indicator to indicate
Minimum, Medium and Maximum signal quality. An X
indicates no reception.

MANU

T

ONLINE
QTY:0000

Signal
strength

Test Print indicator: Appears in Test Print mode.

3-7

Operation and Configuration

Optional LCD screen (cont’d)

Two-line text display: Displays the following:

1) Various status messages: Firmware version,

Online mode, Offline mode, labels remaining in
print queue, Test Print status, Default Setting,
Complete, Factory Clear, Press Feed Key, Press
Print Key, Hex Dump Mode, Set up Display, Adjust
LCD, Exit, Contrast, Back Light On

2) Warning messages: Cover Open, Paper End,

Sensor Error, Buffer Near Full, Head Protect, Head
Error, Module Error,

3) WLAN information: Messages such as Adhoc

mode, Infrastructure mode, IP address, subnet
mask, default gateway, Socket Port Number.

Adjusting Display Contrast

To adjust the contrast of the LCD, go into
Maintenance mode. Use the FEED button to select
options, and the PRINT button to confirm a selection.

Now select the “Adjust LCD” option and then the
Contrast “option”. Values cycle between 30 and 63.

3-8

Operation and Configuration

Printing Procedure

After the proper setup and basic configuration
procedures, you are ready to print to the
MB200/201i.

1. Make sure the host
computer is ready to
transmit data, and ensure
that the STATUS LED is lit.
(Press the PRINT button to
take the printer ONLINE).

2. Start the print job from the
computer. When printing is
finished, pinch either the left
or right corner of the printed
roll of label(s) and tear it off
in the direction of the arrow
in the diagram.

Notes

• The number of sheets you can print is determined

by the printer’s mode (continuous or peel mode).

• When printing non-separate labels and you have

torn the labels at a wrong place, stop the printing
and follow the instructions on the next page to
correct the print job.

3-9

Operation and Configuration

Adjusting printing for Non-separate labels

When printing on a continuous label roll (non­separate), if you tear off a label at the wrong
place, proceed as follows.

1. Interrupt printing on the
computer, or by pressing
the PRINT key in the
ONLINE state to take the
printer OFFLINE.
(STATUS LED goes off).

2. Press the FEED button to
feed a label. When the
feeding stops, tear off the
label correctly by pulling
the label in the direction
of the arrow shown in the
diagram. The label is now
aligned properly for
printing to resume.

3. Press the PRINT button to return to the online state
(STATUS LED lights green). You can now resume
the print job.

3-10

Operation and Configuration

Choosing the Label Dispensing mode

You can choose to dispense labels in Continuous
Mode and Dispense Mode. In either mode, test

printing and online printing are available.

You can select Dispense mode for non-separate
labels by using the printer setting tool.

3-11

Operation and Configuration

Configuring Dispense mode

Dispense Mode can be set to Auto Print or Manual

Print, as described below.

Type Operation

Auto Print

Manual
Print (this
is the
default set­ting)

To switch between Auto or Manual Print for the
Dispense Mode, set the DIP switches and then hold
down the PRINT or FEED button when turning the
printer ON. The new settings take effect when the
printer is next turned ON.

Prints one label after receiving data and waits for peeling.
After peeling a label, automatically prints next label.

Prints one label after receiving data and enters offline
state. Pressing the PRINT key allows next label to be
printed. After printing the specified number of labels, print­ing terminates. No printing occurs even when the PRINT
key is pressed.

Setting Auto Print dispense mode:

DSW1-4=OFF,OFF,OFF,ON + Cover open + Print
button + power ON

Setting Manual Print dispense mode:

DSW1-4=OFF,OFF,OFF,ON + Cover open + FEED
button + power ON

When setting the dispense mode, the STATUS LED
blinks green, and turns into a steady green signal
upon completion of setting. Turn off the printer ONLY
when the STATUS LED is a steady green light.

3-12

Operation and Configuration

Other Printer Modes

Available printer modes include Normal, Test Print,
Head Check Setting and Online Command Setting

mode.

Normal mode

STATUS LED behaviour in Normal Mode

Operational State STATUS LED LED Action

START OF PRINTING Orange Steady

ONLINE Green Steady

OFFLINE OFF NA

STANDBY (after 5 seconds of
inactivity)

Note: The Battery indicator (only available on the
Bluetooth/WLAN model) remains lit even when the
printer is OFFLINE. During the Standby state, the
printer resumes normal operational status upon
sensing any incoming data or pressing of the buttons.

Green Blink s every

4 seconds

3-13

Operation and Configuration

Printer modes (cont’d)

Test Print Mode

Enter Test Print mode as shown, by using the FEED
and POWER buttons.

STATUS LED behaviour in Test Print Mode

Operational State STATUS LED LED Action

ENTERING TEST PRINT MODE Orange Steady

START OF TEST PRINT Green Blinks

DURING TEST PRINT Green Steady

END OF TEST PRINT OFF NA

3-14

Operation and Configuration

Printer modes (cont’d)

Head Check Setting Mode

Head checking can be applied to one of two areas:
the normal print area and the barcode print area.
To specify the area subjected to a head check, follow
the settings in the table below:

Setting Head Check Area
(cover must be left open)

H.Che ck setting DSW-1 DSW-2 DSW-3 DSW-4 Other keys

Normal Print Area OFF ON OFF ON hold down PRINT

Disable H. Check OFF ON OFF ON hold do wn FEE D

Barcode Print Area ON OFF OFF ON hold down PRINT

Disable H. Check ON OFF OFF ON hold down FEED

You can check the current setting with a test printout
as described in “Performing a Test Print” on page 2.

When setting the Head Check options, the STATUS
LED blinks green, and turns into a steady green
signal upon completion of setting. Turn off the printer
ONLY when the STATUS LED is a steady green light.

button

button

button

button

3-15

Operation and Configuration

Printer modes (cont’d)

Online Command Compatibility Mode

The printer can be set for compatibility with SBPL
commands or with the older MB200 commands.

Setting Online Command compatibility

(cover must be left open)

Compatibility DS W-1 DSW-2 DSW-3 DSW-4 Other ke ys

MB200
online commands

SBPL
online commands

You can check the current setting with a test printout
as described in “Performing a Test Print” on page 2.

When setting the online command compatibility
options, the STATUS LED blinks green, and turns
into a steady green signal upon completion of setting.
Turn off the printer ONLY when the STATUS LED is a
steady green light.

ON ON ON ON hold down PRINT

ON ON ON ON hold down FEED

button

button

3-16

Operation and Configuration

Offset Configuration via Programming

The following offset adjustments for the MB200/201i
printer are usually unnecessary. Almost all
adjustments are electrical in nature due to the
printer’s advanced self aligning and balancing design
features. However, if you need to perform the
adjustments, they can be sent as commands to the
printer. Consult your SATO representative for
information on programming the MB200/201i printer,
or refer to the Programming Reference guide found
on the CD-ROM.

POSITION ADJUSTMENTS

Adjustment Method Description

Printer Setting
Commands

Base Point Offset

Pitch Offset

Dispense Offset

Tear-Off Offset

Use the <PG>
programming
command.

Saves the val ues
to the Flash ROM.

Base Point Offset Use the <A3>

programming
command.

Takes effect
instantly; the
value is cleared
once the power is
turned off.

3-17

Operation and Configuration

POSITION ADJUSTMENTS

Pitch Offset Use the <PO3>

Dispense Offset Use the <PO1>

Tear-Off Offset Use the <PO2>

programming
command.

programming
command.

programming
command.

Takes effect
instantly; the
value is cleared
once the power is
turned off.

Takes effect
instantly; the
value is cleared
once the power is
turned off.

Takes effect
instantly; the
value is cleared
once the power is
turned off.

3-18

Interface Specifications

4

INTERFACE
SPECIFICATIONS

Through a combination of DIP switch settings and
turning the printer ON with certain buttons held down,
you can enable or disable special functions/features.

DIP Switch

1234

OFF OFF ON OFF Power ON with Cover Open, Print button held down, FEED

ON OFF ON OFF Power ON with Cover Open, Print button held down, FEED

OFF OFF ON OFF Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button held down, FEED

Online Command Com patibility Settings

ON ON ON ON Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button held down, FEED

ON ON ON ON Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button not held down,

Other required settings

button held down – Factory Clear w/o clear Head Counter

button held down – Factory Cl ear + clear Hea d Coun ter +

clear Factory Counter

button held down – resets to default settings: Factory Clear
mode

button not held down – MB20 0 comman d compat ibility

FEED button held down – SBPL command compatibility

4-1

Interface Specifications

RS-232 C settin gs

OFF OFF OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

OFF OFF OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

OFF OFF OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button held down, FEED

OFF OFF ON ON Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

OFF OFF OFF ON Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

OFF OFF OFF ON Power ON with Cove r Open, PRINT button held down, FEED

OFF OFF OFF ON Power ON with Cove r Open, PRINT button not held down,

OFF OFF ON OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

IrDA Settings

ON OFF OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

ON OFF OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

ON OFF ON ON Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

ON OFF OFF ON Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button held down, FEED

ON OFF OFF ON Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button not held down,

FEED button not held down –RS-232C Normal mode

FEED button held down – RS-232C User test print mode

button not held down – RS-232C default setting mode

FEED button not held down – RS -23 2C Hex D ump mod e

FEED button not held down – RS-23 2C Fo nt download

button not held down – Dispense mode, Auto print

FEED button not held down – Dis pense m ode, Manual print

FEED button not held down – RS- 232C Pro gra m Do wnl oad

FEED button not held down – IrDA Normal mode

FEED button held down – IrDA User test print mode

FEED button not held down – IrDA Hex Dum p mode

button not held down – Head C heck, Barcode P rint Area

FEED button held down – Canc el Head Check

4-2

Interface Specifications

Bluetooth/ WLAN S etti ngs

OFF ON OFF OFF Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button not held down,

OFF ON ON ON Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button not held down,

OFF ON OFF ON Power ON with Cover Open, Print button held down, FEED

OFF ON ON OFF Power ON with Cover Open, Print button held down, FEED

Note:

A small label may produce a large amount of data when
printing a Hex Dump.

FEED button not held down – Normal operation mode

Power ON with Cover Closed, PRINT button no t held down,
FEED button held down – Test Print mode

Power ON with Cover Op en, Print butt on not held down , FEED
button held down – Maint enanc e mode

FEED button not held down – HEX dump mode

Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button held down, FEED
button not held down – Enable CRC Check

Power ON with Cover Open, PRINT button not held down,
FEED button held down – Disable CRC Check

button not held down – Activate Head Check

Power ON with Cover Op en, Print butt on not held down , FEED
button held down – Deactivate Head Check

button held down – Factory Clea r + Clear Head Counter

4-3

Interface Specifications

WARNING: Never connect or disconnect interface
cables (or use a switch box) with power applied to
either the host or the printer. This may cause
damage to the interface circuitry in the printer/host
and is not covered by warranty.

Note: Some hosts monitor the Request-To-Send
(RTS) signal (pin 4 of 25) to determine if the printer
is ready to receive data. Since the printer does not
generate this signal, the RTS line must be held true
(high) in order to allow communication. Perform
this by connecting the RTS pin to the Clear-To­Send (CTS) signal (pin 5 of 25).

4-4

Cleaning and Maintenance

5

CLEANING AN D
MAINTENANCE

By cleaning and maintaining the printer regularly, you
will prolong its durability and reliability, and also
reduce the inconvenience of unnecessary
malfunctions. Perform the following procedures
regularly after turning the printer OFF and removing
the battery pack.

Cleaning the Print Head

Slide the Cover Open/
Close lever to release the
cover. If the lever is not
accessible, first slide the
dispenser unit away by

lifting the top edge where
the arrow marks are
located. (see Step 1 of
“Installing the label roll” on
page 12).

Wipe off any dirt using a
cloth (soaked) in alcohol.

Never use thinner, benzene,
or kerosene.

5-1

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Platen and Peel Roller

Users can perform test prints to evaluate the print
quality and also diagnose problems.

Slide the Cover Open/
Close lever to release the

cover. If the lever is not
accessible, first slide the
dispenser unit away by lifting
the top edge where the arrow
marks are located. (see Step
1 of “Installing the label roll”
on page 12).

Wipe off any dirt using a
cloth (soaked) in alcohol.

Never use thinner, benzene,
or kerosene.

5-2

Troubleshooting

6

TROUBLESHOOTING

When you experience any problems operating the
printer, refer to the following tables.

What to do in case of...

Print Fault Cause Remedy

Smudged printing 1. Print head is dirty

Vertic al streaking i n
printouts

Slanted text char­acters

No printing 1. RS-232C cable con-

2. Roller is dirty

1. Print head is dirty

2. Print head is faulty

1. Paper guide is posi­tioned incorrectly

2. Roller is dirty

nection is faulty

2. IrD A In terface is
faul ty

3. Bluetooth/WLAN
interface is fault y

4. Dip Switch se tting is
incorrect

5. Print head is faulty

1. Clean the print head

2. Clean the plate n and dispense roller
(See Section 5: “Cleaning and Mainte­nance”)

1. Clean the print head

2. Replace the prin t head

1. Retry with different label paper. Use
only SATO-certified media for best
print quality and minimal problems

2. Clean the plate n and peel roller (See
Section 5: “Cleaning and Mainte­nance”)

1. Check the connec tion of the RS-232 C
cable conn ector (See “Printing vi a the
RS-232C Interface” on page 3)

2. The prin ter and IrDA host must be
within 15 or 20m of each other. The
host must be located within a from
the center of the IrDA filter (com area)
of the printer. (See “Printing via the
IrDA Int erface” o n page 4)

3. Check the communication protocol
settings

4. Double-check Dip Switch settings
(See Se ction 4: “Interface Sp ecifica­tion s”)

5. Replace the prin t head.

6-1

Troubleshooting

STATUS

Light (Red) All

Blink (Red)
every 2s

Light (Red) After

Blink
(Green­ÌRed) every
2s

Blink (Red)
every

0.5s

Blink
(Green) at

0.5s
intervals

Blink
(Green)
every 4s

Blink
(Green->off­>Red->off)
every 1s

Mode D escri ption Cause Remedy

(LED)

modes

Online Error in

Power
On

Online Head error Head wiring is

Online Cover open

Online
(Printing
or receiv­ing data)

All
modes

All
modes

Low battery Battery charge level is low. Recharge the battery

Interface module error

illegal
error

error

(Bluetooth, wireless LAN)

Flash ROM read/write
error has occurred

disconn ected

1 Cover is not locked
2 Cover-open/close sensor

malfunctioning
1 Paper is not present
1 Wrong sensor level
2 Wrong sensor type
3 Paper skew

Insufficient space in
Receive Buffer area

consumption mod e is
active

When p rint head i s hotter
than 70°C the print head
overhe at protecti on feature
is activated. Not in error.

Bluetooth or
WLAN card

1 Program

2 Flashrom-

Paper End
Sensor
error

Buffer
near-full

Sleep mode Not in error. Low power

Head over­heat
protection
feature

Replace the board

1 Replace Flash

ROM*

2 Retry downloading

program*

Replace the head*

1 Lock the co ver
2 Adjust sens or level*

1 Load pape r
1 Adjus t sensor leve l*
2 Set correct sensor

type

3 Reload paper

Stop sending data
from the host and
wait till the buffer
becomes empty.
Resume se nding
data.

Clear this mode by
receiving data, press­ing a key, opening or
closing the cover.

Cleared when the
head temp erature
drops to 50°C

* Contact your nearest dealer or SAT O repr esentative for support

6-2

Troubleshooting

WARNING: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT INTER­FACE CABL ES (OR USE A SWITCH BOX) WITH POWER
APPLIED TO EITHER THE PRINTER OR THE HOST. THIS
MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INTERFACE CIRCUITRY
AND IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.

6-3

Troubleshooting

6-4

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

7

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS &
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Basic Specifications

Attribute Description

Printing system Direct Thermal printing system

Head density 8 dots/mm (203 dpi)

Maximum print area 48 mm (width) x 160 mm (pitch)

Print speed 103 mm/s max. (The speed varies

Dimensions

MB200

i:

depending on print duty and envi­ronment of use.)

128 mm (width) x 88 mm (height) x
73 mm (depth) (excluding belt clip)

MB201i:

Weight MB200

Power supply
(Battery)

119 mm (width) x 88 mm (height) x
64 mm (depth) (excluding belt clip)

MB201

Prints 4 rolls of thermal labels with
full charge. (equivalent of 48 m)
Continuous printing is permitted
(provided print duty is 16% or less.)

i

: 405g with battery pack

i

: 390 g with battery pack

7-1

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Paper thickness 0.064 ~ 0.190 mm (use only SATO-

certified paper).

Shape of paper Roll paper: Wound with surface out

Maximum diameter: 57.5 mm

Label size (Liner
sheet and eye mark
pitch)

Media Roll Size

MB200

i:

MB201i:

Width: 25.4 to 55 mm (28.4 to 57.5

mm)
Pitch: 13 to 160 mm (16 to 163
mm)

67 mm (2.63”) outer diameter

58 mm (2.28”) outer diameter

Label printing
modes

Self-diagnosis Head check/Cover open/Paper

Power saving
features

7-2

19 mm inner diameter (core)

7.9 mm inner diameter (coreless)

Continuous, Dispense (peel)

end/Battery check/Test print

Auto power off after non operation
for 5 minutes. With Bluetooth or
wireless LAN specifications,
default is no auto power off. Auto
power off time can be changed via
the printer operation register com­mand <PG>.
For details of the command, refer
to the Programming Guide.

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Interfaces

• RS-232C

• Photo coupling

• Bluetooth

• Wireless LAN

Attribute Description

Paper sensors Reflection type (eye mark),

Text Character
magnification

Character rotation 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°

Character type SATO standard font: XU, XS, XM,

Mini DIN
IrDA communication (Complies
with IrDA standard Ver. 1.2. Com­munication range: 15 to 20 cm
max.)
IrOBex/BHT protocol/Ir Comm
Bluetooth Specification Ver. 1.1
Class 2
Wireless LAN interface
(IEEE802.11b)
TCP/IP (FTP, LPR, SOCKET)

Transmission type (gap)

1 to 6 times

XL, OCR-A, OCR-B, POP charac­ter Kanji: 16 x 16, 22 x 22, 24 x 24
Square Gothic (JIS Level 1, Level

2)

7-3

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Barcode JAN8/13, UPC-E/UPC-A, NW-7,

CODE39, CODE93, CODE128,
INTERLEAVED2of5, POSTNET,
RSS-14. However, barcode shall
be used with the following. Parallel
barcode: Thin bar width of 2 dots
or more Serial barcode: Thin bar
width of 3 dots or more

Two-dimensional
code

Switches POWER, PRINT, and FEED but-

Indicators STATUS LED: One (Lights in three

Application
standards

Protective feature Overcharge protection

Any one of PDF417 (ver 2.4), QR
code (ver 8.1 including micro QR),
Data matrix code (ECC200) ver

2.0, MAXI code ver 3.0, Composite
symbol usable via downloads.

tons

color: Green, Red and Orange)
Battery LED: Three

FCC 15 ClassB, EN55022,
EN55024, UL60950-1, CSA C22.2
No.60950-1-03, GB9243, GB9254,
GB4943, GB17625.1, TUV
EN60950-1, CE, R&TTE EN30328
v1.4, EN301489 v1.4, IDATSSSS.

Head overheat protection
Detection of Low Battery state

7-4

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Waterproof feature Rainproof type (JIS protection

class 3), Shoulder rainproof cover
(option) installed.
*

Removed when communication

cable is connected.

Environmental
condition (including
battery pack)*

*Does not apply to
label media

Options Battery pack, AC adapter, Battery

Operating ambient temperature:

-15 to 50°C
Humidity: 20 to 80% without con­densation
Storage ambient temperature: ­25 to 60°C
Humidity: 20 to 80% without con­densation

charger (Single-socket), Battery
charger (5-socket), Rainproof
case, Shoulder belt, Belt hook
(one-touch type), Waist case,
RS-232C cable

Notes:

1. Before using a wireless interface with this
equipment, make sure that any radio transmission/
reception equipment onsite, do not share the same
frequency range as this product’s wireless setup.

2. If any harmful radio interference should occur due
to operation of RF equipment that share the same
transmission/reception characteristics, contact your
nearest dealer or service center to take appropriate

7-5

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

measure to prevent interference (e.g., installing
partitions).

MB200/200i Radio Frequency characteristics

2.4FH1 Freq band
used

Modulation
system

Assumed
distance of
interference

Availability
of fre­quency
change

2.4 GHz

Frequency Hopped ­Spread Spectrum system

10 mm max.

All area is used and exclu­sion of the band for equip­ment for mobile object
identification is
impossible

7-6

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories

The MB200/201i direct thermal printer is supported by
a wide range of accessories to increase its flexibility.

Battery Items

Spare battery pack—having a
spare pack reduces interruption
during extended periods of
printer operation.

AC Adapter—allows the printer
to be operated via an AC outlet,
and to charge a battery pack
loaded inside the printer.
(Warning: use only the
specified AC Adapter designed
for your printer)

Single-slot Battery Charger—
use this to charge a battery
pack without using the printer
connected to an AC outlet.

Five-slot Battery Charger—use
this to charge multiple spare
battery packs at the same time.

7-7

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories

Portability enhancements

Belt Hook—allows users to
attach or detach the printer
for the waist belt easily.

Single-slot Battery Charger—
use this to charge a battery
pack without using the printer
connected to an AC outlet.

Installation: Pass your belt
through the belt holder. Insert the
belt hook into the belt holder until
it clicks into place. If the belt
hook is not inserted properly, the
printer may fall off.

Detachment: Pull the printer
sideways and upwards to
remove it from the belt hook.

7-8

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories

Portability enhancements

Shoulder Belt—allows users
to hang the printer from the
shoulder.

Installation: Pass the shoulder
belt through the belt hole of
the printer from the outside in.

Pass one end of the
shoulder belt through the buckle
and adjust the length. If the
shoulder belt is poorly secured
the printer to may fall off.

7-9

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories (cont’d)

Portability enhancements

Rainproof case—comes with
a shoulder belt to protect the
printer during wet weather.

Installation: Pinch the Rainproof case with the belt clip of the
printer. If the Rainproof case is not pinched with the belt clip
correctly, the printer may fall off.

7-10

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories (cont’d)

Portability enhancements

Waist case—a protective
case that hangs from the
waist for transporting the
printer.

Installation: Pinch the Waist case with the belt clip of the
printer. If the Waist case is not pinched by the belt clip
correctly, the printer may fall off.

7-11

Basic Specifications & Optional Accessories

Optional Accessories (cont’d)

Connectivity options

RS-232C cable—allows connection of the printer to a
PC or handy terminal.

Factory-installed options

Wireless LAN Interface (with LCD)—allows printing via a
WLAN network. The interface comes with an LCD on the
front panel to display the status of wireless communication.

Bluetooth Interface—allows printing via a Bluetooth
connection. The interface comes with an LCD on the front
panel to display the status of Bluetooth communication.

For more details about the optional accessories, consult
your authorized SATO representative.

7-12