SATO TC408, TC408X User Manual

TC Series
User's Manual

TC408
TC408X

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TC Series - User’s Manual

SATO CORPORATION

http://www.satoworldwide.com

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TC Series - User’s Manual

Table of Contents

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

Proprietary Statement ............................................................ 6

Product Improvements ........................................................... 6

Liability Disclaimer .................................................................. 6

Document Icons ...................................................................... 7

2. Getting Started .................................................................... 8

Unpacking Printer ................................................................... 8

Package Contents ............................................................... 9

Printer Overview ................................................................... 10

Front View: ....................................................................... 10

Rear View: ........................................................................ 11

Interior View I .................................................................. 12

Interior View II ................................................................. 13

Connecting Power Cord ........................................................ 14

Loading Media ...................................................................... 15

Preparing Media ............................................................... 15

Placing Media Roll ............................................................ 15

Sensor type ...................................................................... 19

Loading Ribbon ..................................................................... 22

Preparing Ribbon ............................................................. 22

Placing Ribbon Rolls ......................................................... 23

3. Printer Operations ............................................................. 29

LED Indicators ....................................................................... 29

Buttons .................................................................................. 30

Media Calibration ................................................................. 31

Printing a Configuration Report ............................................ 32

DIP Switch ........................................................................ 35

Resetting to Factory Default Settings ................................... 36

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4. Communications ................................................................ 37

Interfaces and Requirements ................................................ 37

USB Interface Requirements ............................................ 37

Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements ...........................38

Parallel Interface Requirements .......................................38

Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements.........................38

Communicating with Printer .................................................39

Installing a Plug and Play printer driver (for USB only) ....39

Installing a Printer Driver (for other interfaces except USB)

.....................................................................................46

5. Troubleshooting ................................................................. 53

LED Diagnosis ........................................................................53

Printer Status ........................................................................56

Transmission Problems ......................................................... 57

Recovery ................................................................................ 57

Printer Maintenance .............................................................58

Cleaning Print Head...............................................................59

Cleaning Roller ......................................................................61

Cleaning Media Compartment ..............................................61

6. Product Specification ......................................................... 62

General Specification ............................................................62

Fonts, Barcodes, and Graphics Specification ........................64

Printer Programming Language SDPL ..............................64

Printer Programming Language SEPL ...............................65

Printer Programming Language SZPL ...............................66

Interface Specification ..........................................................68

USB Interface ....................................................................68

Serial Interface .................................................................69

Parallel (Centronics) Interface .......................................... 70

Auto Polling ...................................................................... 70

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7. Index ................................................................................. 73

Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Installation ................... 73

Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Settings ........................ 76

Rotary Cutter with Paper Jam ............................................... 79

Guillotine Cutter with Paper Jam .......................................... 80

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TC Series - User’s Manual

1. Introduction

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of SATO CORPORATION. It is intended solely
for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described
herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any
other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of SATO
CORPORATION.

Product Improvements

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of SATO CORPORATION. All specifications
and signs are subject to change without notice.

Liability Disclaimer

SATO CORPORATION takes steps to assure that the company’s published engineering
specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. SATO CORPORATION
reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any resulting liability. In no event
shall SATO CORPORATION or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of
the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of
or the results of use of or inability to use such product, even if SATO CORPORATION has
been advised of the possibility of such damages.

CAUTION:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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TC Series - User’s Manual

Document Icons

The following icons indicate useful and important information as described:

Note: gives additional and important information. A note
also provides information that may only be applicable to
some situations.

Caution: Advises of possible failure to take or avoid a
specific action under certain circumstances.

Caution - Electricity: Warns of a potential electric shock
situation or static electricity to prevent.

Caution - Hot: Warns of a situation where excessive heat
could cause a burn to avoid.

Caution - Sharp: Warns of a situation where fingers may be
hurt by sharp edges of cutter blade.

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2. Getting Started

Thank you for choosing TC Series printer, which is ideally designed to easily
bring more efficiency for your business. This manual will help you get to
know your new printer and provide sufficient information needed.

Unpacking Printer

After receiving your printer, please unpack and check first before use:

1. Inspect the outside of both the box and the printer to see if there

is any damage caused by transportation.

2. Open package of the printer, then open top cover of printer, and

then check inside to see if all assemblies are in order.

3. Check whether you have received the following accessories

together with the printer.

Note: If shipping damage has been discovered, or any item is
missing, please directly contact the local dealer whom you’ve
bought this printer from.

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Package Contents

 Quick Installation Guide

 CD (Documentation & Software)

 Power Cord

 Printer
 USB cable
 Ribbon Core Adaptors
 1” ID Core for Ribbon

Power Cord

Ribbon Core Adaptors

1” ID Core for Ribbon

Printer

USB Cable

Quick Installation Guide

CD

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Printer Overview

Front View:

Printer’s front panel includes:

 3 LED indicators (READY, MEDIA and RIBBON)
 3 buttons (FEED, PAUSE and CANCEL)

Front Cover

Top Access Door

Front Panel

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Rear View:

Power Switch

Parallel Port

USB Port

AC Power connector

RS232 Serial Port

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Interior View I

Head Latch

Media Supply Hanger

Media Supply Guide

Ribbon

Pick-up

Holder

DIP Switch

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Interior View II

Platen Roller

Reflective Sensor

Print Head

Ribbon

Supply
Holder

Head open
Switch

Media Shaft

Media Guide

Transmissive Sensor

Tear Bar / Front Cover

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Connecting Power Cord

Caution:

Do not operate in an area where the printer might get wet.

Refer to the steps below:

1. First turn Power switch to the “O” position. Make sure to turn off

printer’s power first, every time before connecting or disconnecting
Power cord from printer.

2. Connect AC power cord to AC Power connector of printer.

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an appropriately grounded

Power outlet.

Power outlet

AC Power cord

AC Power
connector

Power switch

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Loading Media

Preparing Media

Note: The inside wound or outside wound media rolls can be
loaded into the printer in the same way. In case media roll may
become dirty or dusty during shipment, handling, or storage,
firstly remove the outside length of media, which helps to avoid
dragging adhesive or dirty media between the print head and
platen roller.

Placing Media Roll

1. Open Top access door of the printer.

Top access door

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2. Find the Central point of Media supply hanger first, represented by

scale “0”. Centrally place media roll to align with central point of

Media supply hanger, and then check the scale numbers located right

upon both edges of media roll.

Then, find the Knob under Media supply guide at left, turn clockwise to

loosen it, and move to the scale number found in previous step by

media’s left edge.

Media supply hanger

Knob

Turn clockwise to loosen.

Turn anticlockwise to tighten it.

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3. Flip down the Media supply guide at right.

Place and push the media roll to central point of the Media supply

hanger. Check the scale number on Media Supply Hanger and make

sure the roll is centrally aligned. Turn the Knob under Media supply

guide at left anti-clockwise to tighten it and fix media roll’s position.

Flip up the Media supply guide at right and slide in until it touches the

edge of media roll.

Media supply guide

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4. Push the Head latch to open the printer module.

Pull a short length of media till it reaches the Platen roll of printer.

Locate the media under Media shaft.

PUSH

Head latch

Platen
roller

Media shaft

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5. Press the lock of Media guide at right to adjust media guides’ positions

to fit media’s both edges. Make sure gap or black-mark of media can

pass over to be detected by Media sensor.

Note: Select the appropriate sensor type which is applicable to the
media in use. Refer to “DIP Switch” section to know more details
about setting methods.

Sensor type

Media type

sample

Reflective
(movable)

Multi-column labels or labels with
gaps: make sure to locate sensor

under media within range to detect
correctly.

Labels with black-marks:
if black-mark is narrower than media

width, adjust sensor’s positions to

locate directly under black-marks.

Transmissive
(centrally
fixed)

Labels with holes at central positions,
e.g. tags.

Media
guide

Reflective sensor

Transmissive sensor

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6. Close the printer module and then press firmly at the both sides to

properly latch until you hear a click.

Note: For thermal transfer printing mode, ribbon is required to

be installed. Refer the steps in section: “Loading Ribbon”

Press the FEED button to feed labels out of the printer.

FEED button

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7. To tear media, pull the media edge against the Tear-off bar as in the

direction below:

Note: If printer will be printed in thermal transfer mode, which
requires ribbon to be installed, continue the next section,

“Loading Ribbon”.

Tear Direction

Tear-off bar

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TC Series - User’s Manual

Loading Ribbon

The following steps only apply to thermal transfer printing mode only.

Direct thermal does not need ribbon to be installed.

Note:

1. Media and ribbon types should be matched to provide with

optimal print results.

2. Always use ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the

print head from wear.

3. For direct thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.

Preparing Ribbon

Find the two Ribbon Core Adaptors in printer package and fix them into

the empty core for ribbon and new ribbon supply roll, from the left to the

right.

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Placing Ribbon Rolls

1. Open Top access door of the printer.

2. Push the Head latch to open the printer module.

Top access door

PUSH

Head latch

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3. Lift up the printer module to check the Ribbon supply holder.

Ribbon supply holder

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4. Install one ribbon roll and rotate it until the notches align and lock

into the left side of Ribbon supply holder, and then into the right.

Note: The Ribbon Supply Holder accepts the coated side of
ribbon to be wound ink-side IN or wound ink-side OUT.

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5. Install the other ribbon roll and rotate it until the notches align and

lock into the left side of Ribbon pick-up holder, and then the right.

Pull a short length of ribbon from Ribbon supply holder. Move
upward and attach to Core for ribbon on Ribbon pick-up holder.

Note: Ribbon pick-up holder accepts the coated side of ribbon
to be wound ink-side OUT only.

Ribbon pick-up holder

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TC Series - User’s Manual

6. Close the printer module, and then press firmly at both sides to

properly latch it until you hear a click.

Rotate Thumb wheel of Ribbon pick-up holder to remove slack and
ribbon wrinkle, and to align ribbon on the spindles.

Thumb wheel

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7. Double-check the installation path of media and ribbon:

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3. Printer Operations

LED Indicators

There are three LED indicators on printer’s front panel - READY, MEDIA
and RIBBON. These indicators display operation status of the printer to
help users’ comprehension for further actions to take.

READY

On – Normal operation.
Blinking – Error conditions including ribbon out, media

out, print tasks cancelled, printing errors, printer
paused, printer receiving data from host.

MEDIA

On – Normal operation.
Blinking – Media is used out; install new media.

Print head overheated (printer will resume printing
automatically later.)

RIBBON

On – thermal transfer mode; install ribbon.
Off – direct thermal mode; no need to install ribbon.
Blinking – Ribbon is used out; install new ribbon.

Note: Mode selection between thermal transfer and direct

thermal can be set via labeling software, windows driver,
printer commands, or DIP Switch.

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Buttons

There are three buttons. Each button carries with two basic functions.

Button

Function 1

(Press the button)

Function 2

(Press the button and
power on printer at the same
time)

FEED

/

CONFIG.

 Feed a label.

Perform self test & print a

configuration report.

PAUSE

/

CALIBR.

 Pause printing.
 Press again to resume

printing.

Perform a media calibration.

CANCEL

/

RESET

 Interrupt and delete a print

task.

 Force printer to continue

after an error is solved.

Reset to factory default
settings.

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Media Calibration

Note:

1. After the media is loaded, please perform media calibration

to calibrate the label sensor before printing. Also perform
media calibration every time after changing media types.

2. Before calibration, be sure media and ribbon (for thermal

transfer printing) have been loaded correctly.

3. The label sensor needs to locate properly to index labels’

gaps/ notches/ holes. For more details, refer to the section,
“Sensor type”.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer

2. Press and hold the PAUSE/CALIBR. Button first, and then turn

on the printer.

3. Once both READY and MEDIA indicators blink, release the

PAUSE/CALIBR. button.
Printer will feeds a short length of blank labels.

4. When the READY and MEDIA indicators stop blinking and

remain illuminated, media calibration is complete!

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Printing a Configuration Report

Perform a self-test and print a configuration report, to check printer’s
print quality and internal settings.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer. Load media and ribbon.

2. Press and hold the FEED/CONFIG. button while turning on the

printer.

3. When READY indicator starts to blink, release the

FEED/CONFIG. button. Printer now will print out a
configuration report.

4. Printer will enter Dump mode after printing configuration, if

it’s with SATO SEPL emulation. To return to normal operation
mode from Dump mode, press the CANCEL/RESET button.
Another way is to turn off printer power, and then restart
printer.

When the READY indicator stops blinking and remain

illuminated, printer is back in normal operation mode.

Note: In Dump mode, all characters will be printed in 2 columns:
the right shows characters received from your system, and the
left shows corresponding hexadecimal values of the characters.
It allows users or engineers to verify and debug the program.

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Sample of Configuration Report – based on TC408:

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Sample of Configuration Report – based on TC408X:

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TC Series - User’s Manual

DIP Switch

DIP Switch settings indicated on printer’s configuration report are set
practically by DIP Switch on main board, located near Media supply
hanger. As described below, some of the DIP switches can be adjusted
upward or downward, representing different functions.

Note: Turn off the printer before setting DIP Switch.

Switch &
Function

4

Media Sensor Switch

2

Print Mode Switch

Position is:

Up

(Off)

Printer’s firmware defaults

to reflective sensor. As long
as switch is at Up position,
labeling software, windows
driver, or printer commands

can change sensor’s settings.

(default)
Once the switch is set from
Down to Up, printer will be
set to Transmissive sensor.

Thermal transfer
(default)

Position is:

Down

(On)

Printer is forced and fixed to
Reflective sensor setting.
Labeling software, windows
driver, or printer commands
cannot change sensor
setting.

Direct thermal

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TC Series - User’s Manual

Resetting to Factory Default Settings

To reset the printer to factory default settings:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the CANCEL/RESET button and turn on the

printer.

3. When RIBBON indicator start to blink, release the

CANCEL/RESET button.

4. When the READY indicator stops blinking but remains

illuminated, the following information is now back to defaults:

 Label parameters
 Heat (Darkness)
 Speed
 Symbol set (language)
 Others for specific emulation

Note:

1. Be cautioned that this will reset all printer settings back to

defaults; if possible, print the configuration label in advance
before reset.

2. All settings stored in FLASH memory are retained even after

turning off the printer.

3. The print length meter cannot be reset to 0.

4. After resetting the printer and before printing, please

perform media calibration again.

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4. Communications

Interfaces and Requirements

SATO TC printer series come with a nine-pin Electronics Industries
Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface, a USB interface, and
Centronics Parallel. A variety of interface options are suitable for
versatile applications:

Note:

1. Please be sure to plug the power cord into the power

connector on the back of printer before connecting
communication cables.

2. Printer complies with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15, for

Class A Equipment, for use with fully shielded six-foot data
cables. Use of longer cables or unshielded cables may
increase radiated emissions above Class A limits.

3. For interface pin-out information, please refer to the section,

“Interface Specifications”.

USB Interface Requirements

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is compatible with your existing

PC hardware. The USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy.

Multiple printers can share a single USB port/hub.

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Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements

The required cable must have a nine-pin "D" type male connector on
one end, which is plugged into the mating serial port located on the
back of the printer. The other end of the signal interface cable
connects to a serial port on the host computer.

Parallel Interface Requirements

The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have
a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged
into the parallel port located on the back of the printer. The other
end of the parallel interface cable connects to the printer connector
at the host computer.

Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements

Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with
metal or metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors
are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise.
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:

1. Keep data cables as short as possible.

(6 ft or 1.83m recommended)

2. Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.

3. Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

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Communicating with Printer

Seagull driver SATO provides with printer can be applied to all
applications under Windows XP/ Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8,
supporting 32-bit/ 64-bit operation systems. With this driver you can
operate any popular Windows software applications including SATO
Bartender UL label editing software or MS Word, etc., to print to this
printer.

The following installation steps are based on TC408X as an example.
The screens included for these steps are taken from Windows XP; steps
in other versions of operation systems are similar. Drivers can be
installed via the CD included in printer package.

Installing a Plug and Play printer driver (for USB only)

Note: We strongly recommend that you use the Seagull Driver
Wizard instead of the Microsoft Windows Add Printer Wizard
when installing and updating your Drivers by Seagull.
Even though the "Add Printer Wizard" is from Microsoft, it too
easily performs a number of tasks incorrectly when updating
existing drivers. It also badly handles the situation where a
printer driver is already in use by a Windows application.

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TC Series - User’s Manual

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer. Plug the power cord into the power outlet, and

then connect the other end of the cord to printer's power
connector. Connect a USB cable to the USB port on printer and also
on your computer.

2. Turn on the printer. If the printer supports Plug-and-Play, and you

have successfully connected it using a USB cable, then the
Windows Add Hardware Wizard will automatically detect the
printer and display a dialog that allows you to install a driver. Click
Cancel and do not install the driver using this wizard.

3. Prepare the documentation and software CD from printer package

and then install to CD drive of your computer. Choose Seagull
Driver version and then start installation:

Another way to install Seagull driver is to run the DriverWizard
utility from the Installation Directory where the Seagull driver files
are located.

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4. On the prompt, Windows Printer Driver, select “I accept…”

and click "Next":

Assign the directory to keep Seagull driver, (for example: C:\Seagull)
and click "Next":

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5. Make sure the first option ”Run Driver Wizard…” is checked, and

click "Finish":

Select “Install printer drivers” and click "Next":

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6. This Seagull Driver Wizard prompt will pop up, if printer is off:

If USB cable is well-connected to PC and to printer, and printer is
powered on, this Seagull Driver Wizard prompt will pop up. Select
the first radio button to “Install a driver for a Plug and Play printer”:

Then click “Next”.

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7. Enter Printer name (i.e. SATO TC408X SZPL) and select "do not

share this printer”, and click "Next":

Check the data on the screen shown. If all is correct, click "Finish":

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8. After the related files have been copied to your system, click

"Finish":

After driver installation is complete, click "Close".

Now the driver should have been installed completely.

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Installing a Printer Driver (for other interfaces except USB)

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer. Plug the power cord into the power outlet, and

then connect the other end of the cord to printer's power
connector. Connect the Parallel cable or Serial cable to the proper
port on the printer and also on your computer.

2. Prepare the documentation and software CD from printer package

and then install to CD drive of your computer. Choose Seagull
Driver version and then start installation:

Another way to install Seagull driver is to run the DriverWizard
utility from the Installation Directory where the Seagull driver files
are located.

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3. On the prompt, Windows Printer Driver, select “I accept…”

and click "Next":

Assign the directory to keep Seagull driver, (for example: C:\Seagull)
and click "Next":

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4. Check the first option “Run Driver Wizard…” and click "Finish":

Select “Install printer drivers” and click "Next":

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TC Series - User’s Manual

5. This Seagull Driver Wizard prompt will pop up:

6. Select model & emulation and click “Next”.

The following examples are based on model TC408X SZPL:

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7. Select the port of the printer and click "Next":

8. Enter Printer name (i.e. SATO TC408X SZPL) and select

"do not share this printer”, and click "Next":

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9. Check the data on the screen shown. If all is correct, click "Finish":

After the related files have been copied to your system, click

"Finish":

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10. After driver installation is complete, click "Close".

Now the driver should have been installed completely.

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5. Troubleshooting

LED Diagnosis

Normally, if the printer is in not working properly, the "READY" LED blinks

continuously, and printing and communication between the host and

printer stops. Meanwhile, blinking LEDs indicate a problem. Check the LEDs

and refer to the following solutions suggested below.

Media Problems

LED

Indication

READY and MEDIA LEDs

Blinking

Possible Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Miss-detected gap

Check the media path.

Check the position of the

label sensor.

For continuous media,

check application and

driver, and select

continuous media.
Media out

Supply the media roll.

Media not installed

Install the media roll.

Media jam

Recover the jam.

Note: If problem continues, perform media calibration.

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Ribbon Problems

LED

Indication

READY and RIBBON LEDs

Blinking

Possible Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Ribbon out

Supply the ribbon roll

Not applicable to

direct thermal.

Ribbon jam

Recover the jam

Ribbon sensor error

Replace ribbon sensor

Note: If you use direct thermal, set by labeling software,

windows driver, printer commands, or DIP Switch.

Other Problems

LED

Indication

READY LED

Blinking

Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Serial IO error

Check the baud rate, format

or protocol between host and

printer.

Not for Centronics.

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Cutter failed

 Check the media.
 Check the connection

between cutter and main

board.

 Call for service.

Memory full

Check graphics and soft fonts

from host. Delete by

application software for those

no longer in use.

Need to reboot the

system.

Note: After a problem is solved, press CANCEL to continue printing.

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Printer Status

Printer Status

Blinking

LED

Description

PAUSE

READY

Printer is paused. Press PAUSE or CANCEL to
return to normal.

MEDIA OUT

MEDIA

READY

Media is uninstalled or used up. Load new
media to the printer.

RIBBON OUT

RIBBON

READY

Ribbon is uninstalled or end-of-ribbon
occurred. Load new ribbon to the printer.

SERIAL IO ERROR

READY

Format or baud rate of RS232 communication
is inconsistent between printer and host.

CUTTER FAILED

READY

Cutter cannot cut off the media, check media
and cutter.

MEMORY FULL

READY

Printer buffer full due to loaded soft fonts,
graphics or forms. Check data format. Call for
service.

SENSOR O.R.

READY

Media calibration is out of range for sensor
detection. Make sure media is loaded and
media sensor locates under media.

PRINT HEAD HEAT

MEDIA

Printing job will start until the temperature of
TPH goes down.

HEAD OPEN

READY

Print head latch is not closed. To print label the
head latch must be closed.

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Transmission Problems

If the host shows "Printer Time out"

1. Check if the communication cable (parallel or serial) is connected

securely to your parallel or serial port on the PC and to the

connector on the printer at the other end.

2. Check if the printer power is turned on.

If the data has been sent, but there is no output from the printer. Check

the active printer driver, and see if Seagull Driver for your Windows system

and the label printer has been selected.

Recovery

After correcting problems, simply press the CANCEL button or restart the

printer. Make sure the LEDs are not blinking and remember to resend your

files.

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Printer Maintenance

Vertical streaks in the printout usually indicate a dirty or faulty print head.

(Refer to the following examples.) Clean the print head. If the problem

persists, replace the print head.

For unstable ribbon roll rotation, check the label path and make sure the

head latch is securely closed.

Poor printout quality:

 The ribbon may not be qualified, or not match with media.

 The media may not be qualified, or not match with ribbon.

 Adjust the Darkness (heat temperature).

 Slow down the print speed.

 Refer to the following and clean the related spare parts.

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Cleaning Print Head

To keep print Head remain in its best conditions and efficiency and to

extend duration for use, regular cleaning action is needed.

Caution: Warranty of print heads will be void if print head serial
number is removed, altered, defected, or made illegible, under
every circumstance. Please be careful during cleaning.

Caution: In case of long-time printing, surface of print head may
be very hot. Please wait till print head cools down properly
before maintenance. Do not touch print head directly.

Caution: Touch printer’s metal frame to discharge static
electricity, or use an antistatic wrist strap and mat.

Clean print head as following steps:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Open the top cover to access the print head module

3. Remove the ribbon.

4. Rub the print head with a cotton bud moistened with “Ethanol” or

“IPA”.

5. Check for any traces of black coloring or adhesive on the cotton

after cleaning.

6. Repeat if necessary until the cotton is clean after it is passed over

the head.

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Cleaning Interval

It’s strongly recommended to regularly clean print heads at least when

changing every one label roll (in direct thermal printing mode) or every one

ribbon roll (in thermal transfer printing mode). In addition, if printers are

operated under critical applications and environments, or if it’s found that

print quality is degraded, please clean print heads more frequently.

Cleaning Material

Surface of print head’s heating element is very fragile. To prevent from any

possible damage, please use soft cloth/ cotton buds with “Ethanol” or

“IPA” to clean print head surface.

It’s strongly recommended to wear hand gloves during cleaning progress.

Do not touch print head surface by bare hands or with any hard

equipment.

Water or spit should be kept away in case of corrosion on heating

elements.

Cleaning Direction

When cleaning the print head, always wipe in One-Way Direction - from

Left to Right only, or, from Right to Left only, to clean “Heating Line” of

print head gently without excessive stress.

Do not wipe back and forth, to avoid dust or dirt on cleaning cotton would

be attached onto print head again.

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Cleaning Roller

Using a cotton bud moistened with alcohol, clean the roll and remove any

attached glue.

Note: Clean the roller after it has been in contact with foreign

materials such as dust or adhesives.

Cleaning Media Compartment

Clean the media compartment with a cotton bud that has been moistened

with a mild detergent. Every time a media roll is printed, you should clean

this compartment to reduce the incidence dust.

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6. Product Specification

General Specification

Specifications

TC408

TC408X

Printing Method

Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer

Printing
Resolution

203 dpi
(8 dots/mm)

Printing Speed

2~up to 4ips (50.8~101.6mm/s)

Printing Length

Max 100”(2540mm)
Min 0.2”(5mm)

Printing Width

Max 4.1”(104mm)

Memory

8MB DRAM(5MB user available)
8MB Flash ROM(6MB user available)

CPU Type

32 bit RISC microprocessor

Sensors

Media gap & black line Reflective sensor x 1 (movable) &
Media Transmissive sensor x 1 (Centrally fixed) /
Head open switch /
Ribbon end sensor

Operation
Interface

LED indicator (Ready/Media/Ribbon) x 3 /
Button (Feed(Config.)/Pause(Calibr.)/Cancel(Reset)) x 3

Communication
Interface

Parallel, RS-232(Baud rate: 2400~115200 bps), USB

Emulation

TC408X: SZPL
TC408: SDPL, SEPL

Software ­Label editing

Windows Driver (Windows XP/Vista/7/8)
BarTender® from Seagull Scientific

Software –
Utility

Printer Utility, Font Utility

Media Type

Roll-feed, die-cut, continuous, fan-fold, tags, ticket in thermal
paper or plain paper and fabric label**

Media

Max Width:4.33”(110mm)
Min Width:1”(25.4mm)
Thickness:0.0025”~0.01”(0.0635~0.254mm)**

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Max roll capacity(OD):8”(203mm)
Core size:1”(25.4mm)/ 1.5”(38.1mm) / 3”(76.2mm)

Ribbon

Ribbon roll – max OD: 2.6”(67mm)
Ribbon Length: max 300m
Core size – ID: 1”(25.4mm)
Ribbon Width: 1”~4”,
Wax, Wax/Resin, Resin
(Ribbon wound ink-side out or ink-side in)

Dimensions

W 282.7mm x H 285.4mm x L 466.6mm

Weight

9 kg

Power Source

Internal Universal Switching Power supply
Input voltage: 100~240V, 50~60Hz

Operation
Environment

Operation Temperature: 40F~100F (4C~38C),
10% ~ 90% non-condensing,
Storage Temperature: -4F~122F (-20C~50C)

Optional Items

Cutter, Peeler, Stacker, RTC Card

Agency Listing

**Special configuration

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Fonts, Barcodes, and Graphics Specification

The specifications of fonts, bar codes and graphics depends on the
printer emulation. The emulations SDPL, SEPL, and SZPL are printer
programming languages, through which the host can communicate
with your printer.

Printer Programming Language SDPL

Programming

Language

SDPL

Internal fonts

9 fonts with different point size
6 fonts with ASD smooth font.
Courier font with different symbol sets.

Symbol sets

(Code pages)

Courier font symbol set: Roman-8, ECMA-94, PC, PC-A,

PC-B, Legal, and PC437
(Greek), Russian.

Soft fonts

Downloadable soft fonts by Font Utility

Font size

1x1 to 24x24 times

Character

rotation

0, 90, 180, 270 degree, 4 direction rotation

Graphics

PCX, BMP, IMG, GDI and HEX format files

1D Barcodes

Code 39、UPC-A、UPC-E、Code 128 subset A/B/C、
EAN-13、EAN-8、HBIC、Codabar、Plessey、UPC2、
UPC5、Code 93、Postnet、UCC/EAN-128、
UCC/EAN-128 K-MART、
UCC/EAN-128 Random weight、Telepen、FIM、
Interleaved 2 of 5 (Standard/with modulo 10

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checksum/ with human readable check digit/ with
modulo 10 checksum & shipping bearer bars) 、
GS1 Data bar (RSS)

2D Barcodes

MaxiCode、PDF417、Data Matrix (ECC 200 only) 、
QR code、Composite Codes、Aztec Barcode、
Micro PDF417

Printer Programming Language SEPL

Programming

Language

SEPL

Internal fonts

5 fonts with different point size

Symbol sets

(Code pages)

8 bits code page : 437, 850, 852, 860, 863, 865, 857,

861, 862, 855, 866, 737, 851, 869,
1252, 1250, 1251, 1253, 1254,
1255

7 bits code page: USA, BRITISH, GERMAN,

FRENCH, DANISH, ITALIAN,
SPANISH, SWEDISH and

SWISS
(300dpi printer models support Code page 437, 850,
852, 860, 863, 865, 1254 only)

Soft fonts

Downloadable soft fonts by Font Utility

Font size

1x1 to 24x24 times

Character

rotation

0, 90, 180, 270 degree, 4 direction rotation

Graphics

PCX , Binary Raster, BMP and GDI
(BMP files can be converted to PCX file by Printer
Utility)

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1D Barcodes

Code 39、UPC-A、UPC-E、Matrix 2 of 5、
UPC-Interleaved 2 of 5、
Code 39 with check sum digit 、Code 93、EAN-13、
EAN-8 (Standard, 2 /5digit add-on) 、Codabar、
Postnet、Code128 subset A/B/C、
Code 128 UCC (shipping container code) 、
Code 128 auto、UCC/EAN code 128 (GS1-128) 、
Interleave 2 of 5、Interleaved 2 of 5 with check sum、
Interleaved 2 of 5 with human readable check digit、
German Postcode、Matrix 2 of 5、
UPC Interleaved 2 of 5、EAN-13 2/5 digit add-on、
UPCA 2/5 digit add-on、UPCE 2/5 digit add-on、
GS1 Data bar (RSS)

2D Barcodes

MaxiCode、PDF417、Data Matrix (ECC 200 only) 、
QR code、Composite Codes、Aztec Barcode

Printer Programming Language SZPL

Programming

Language

SZPL

Internal fonts

8 (A~H) fonts with different point size.
8 AGFA fonts: 7 (P~V) fonts with fixed different

point size (not scalable).

1 (0) font with scaling point size.

Symbol sets

(Code pages)

USA1, USA2, UK, HOLLAND,
DENMARK, NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND,
GERMAN, FRANCE1, FRANCE2, ITALY,
SPAIN, MISC, JAPAN, IBM850

Soft fonts

Downloadable soft fonts by Font Utility

Font size

1x1 to 10x10

Character rotation

0, 90, 180, 270 degree, 4 direction rotation

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Graphics

GRF, Hex and GDI
(BMP files can be converted to GRF file by Printer
Utility)

1D Barcodes

Code39、UPC-A、UPC-E、Postnet、
Code128 subset A/B/C、Interleave 2 of 5、
Interleaved 2 of 5 with check sum、
Interleaved 2 of 5 with human readable check digit、
Code 93、Code 39 with check sum digit、
MSI、EAN-8、Codabar、Code 11、EAN-13、Plessey、
GS1 Data bar (RSS) 、Industrial 2 of 5、
Standard 2 of 5、Logmars

2D Barcodes

MaxiCode、PDF417、Data Matrix (ECC 200 only) 、
QR code、Composite Codes、Aztec Barcode、
Micro PDF417

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Interface Specification

This section presents the interface specifications of IO ports for the
printer. These include pin assignments, protocols and detailed
information about how to properly interface your printer with your
host or terminal.

USB Interface

Connector Terminal Pin Assignment

Pin

Signal

Description

1

VBUS

5V 2 D -

Differential data signaling pair -

3

D +

Differential data signaling pair +

4

GND

Ground

12

3 4

12

3 4

USB series “B” Receptacle Interface

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Serial Interface

The RS232 connector on the printer side is a female, DB-9.

Pin

Signal

Description

1

No function

Shorted to Pin - 6

2

Received Data, RxD

Input. Serial “Received Data”

3

Transmitted Data, TxD

Output. Serial “Transmitted Data”.

4

No function

No connection

5

GND

Signal Ground

6

No function

Shorted to Pin - 1

7

Request to Send, RTS

Output. Used as the control
signal for “H/W Flow Control “

8

Clear to Send, CTS

Input. Used as the control signal
for “H/W Flow Control”

9

+5V

Output. Pin 9 is reserved for KDU
(keyboard device unit)

Note: Pin 9 are reserved for KDU (keyboard device unit), therefore
do not connect these pins if you are using a general host like a PC.

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Parallel (Centronics) Interface

The parallel port is a standard 36-pin Centronics, which complies with
IEEE 1284 standard (compatibility mode). Pin assignments are as
follows:

Pin

Direction

Definition

Pin

Direction

Definition

1

In

n/STROBE

16 - Ground

2~9

In

Data 1~8

17 - Ground

10

Out

nACK

18 - NC

11

Out

BUSY

19~30

-

Ground

12

Out

PE

31

In

NC

13

Out

5V

32

Out

nFAULT

14

In

NC

33~35 - NC

15 - NC

36

In

NC

Auto Polling

Both the serial port and parallel port of this printer can be activated at
the same time, i.e the printer can simultaneously communicate with
two PCs via different ports. However as no port contention is made for
this printer, if both PCs transmit data at the same time the data may
become damaged in the receiving buffer.

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Connection with Host

Host 25S

Printer 9P

Host 9S

Printer 9P

(PC or compatible)

(PC or compatible)

DTR 20

……

1 DSR

DTR 4

……

1 DSR

DSR 6

……

6 DTR

DSR 6

……

6 DTR

TX 2

……

2 RX

TX 3

……

2 RX

RX 3

……

3 TX

RX 2

……

3 TX

CTS 5

……

7 RTS

CTS 8

……

7 RTS

RTS 4

……

8 CTR

RTS 7

……

8 CTS

GND 7

……

5 GND

GND 5

……

5 GND

Alternatively you can just connect the 3 wires in the following way.

Host 25S

Printer 9P

Host 9S

Printer 9P

(PC or compatible)

(PC or compatible)

TX 2

……

2 RX

TX 3

……

2 RX

RX 3

……

3 TX

RX 2

……

3 TX

GND 7

……

5 GND

GND 5

……

5 GND

pin 4

pin 4

pin 5

pin 6

pin 6

pin 7

pin 20

pin 8

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The simplest way to connect to other hosts (not PC compatible) or
terminals is:

Printer

Terminal/Host

Pin 2- RxData

………

TxData

Pin 3- TxData

………

RxData

Pin 5- Ground

………

Ground

In general, as long as the data quantity is not too large and you use
Xon/Xoff as flow control, it will be problem free.

Baud rate: 2400, 4800, 9600(default), 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200
bauds.(programmable by command)

Data format: always 8 data bits, 1 start bit and 1 stop bit.

Parity: always non parity

Handshaking: XON/XOFF as well as CTS/RTS (hardware flow control).

If you run an application with the bundled printer driver under Windows
and use the serial port, you should check the above parameters and set the
flow control to "Xon/Xoff "or "hardware".

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7. Index

Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Installation

Caution:

Blades inside cutters are quite sharp. To ensure your safety,
never attempt to insert fingers or objects into rotary cutter or
guillotine cutter. During all cutter operations including
installation, adjustment, or recovery from paper jam, please

power off printer first and unplug printer’s power cord.

Refer to the following steps to install the cutter kit onto printer. Cutter kit
sample shown below is Rotary Cutter, whose installation steps are same as
for Guillotine Cutter:

1. Power off printer first. Open Top Access Door and push Head latch to

open printer module. Loose the screw which fixes plate of Front Cover.

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2. Hold and pull Front Cover to the right, to remove it off from printer.

3. Thread Cutter Cable through the hole between print module and case.

4. Find screws in cutter‘s box. Install Cutter Module by fixing Cutter
Bracket on Printer Chassis with screws at both sides.

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5. Remove the left printer case by loosening screws. Connect Cutter
Cable to connector (CUTTER) on printer main board.

6. Find Cutter Baby Board in cutter‘s box, and then install onto J16

socket on printer main board.

7. Assemble back the printer case.

Now cutter installation has been completed through the steps above.
To load media, please refer to the section – “Loading Media”

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Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Settings

Before printing and cutting tasks, please make sure whether the cutter in
use is Rotary Cutter, or Guillotine Cutter. Then select proper settings via
Seagull Driver for printer. The following installation steps are based on
TC408X as an example.

1. Check TC408X driver. Go to the prompt of Printer Properties, click on the

tag, “Tools’:

2. Click the “Configure” setting of driver, select “Cutter Setup”:

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3. “Cutter Setup” prompts will be indicated as below.

Check on the radio button, “Rotary” if there’s Rotary Cutter installed.
Then click “OK“:

Check on the radio button, “Guillotine” if there’s Guillotine Cutter
installed. Then click “OK“:

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4. Go to “Printing Preference” prompt of TC408X driver and then click on
the “Stock” tag. Check “Mode” settings and select “Cut”.

※ If there’s Guillotine Cutter installed and partial cut function is needed,

select “Partial Cut” in “Mode” settings.

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Rotary Cutter with Paper Jam

If there is paper jam inside rotary cutter, refer to Rotary Cutter Installation
section to remove the rotary cutter. Check the Cam as marked in Figure 2;
find a slotted screwdriver to turn counter-clockwise. During turning the
Cam of cutter, release the blade from paper and them remove the paper
from the cutter.

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

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Guillotine Cutter with Paper Jam

If there is paper jam inside guillotine cutter, check in Figure 2 and find
where the screw under guillotine cutter. It is to control cut actions of
guillotine cutter. Find a Phillips screwdriver to lay down the blade by
turning the screw as directions marked in the figures. Then paper can be
removed from the cutter.

Figure 1.

Figure 2.
Guillotine Cutter with full cut function: Turn counter-clockwise.
Guillotine Cutter with partial cut function: Turn clockwise.