Telpar SP-401 Series User Manual

SP-401 User Manual

SP-401 Series

Panel Mount Thermal Printers

User‘s Manual

Telpar, Inc.

1550 Lakeway Drive, Suite 500

Lewisville, Texas 75057

Phone: [phone]

www.telpar.com

Manual SP-401 – Part No. 790128-0010 (Rev.D – 11/29/04)

Telpar, Inc. Page 1 of 25

SP-401 User Manual

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................3

2 Operator Information .........................................................................................................4

2.1 Turn on and Self Test ....................................................................................................4

2.2 Paper Loading ...............................................................................................................5

2.3 Journal Take Up............................................................................................................6

3 Installation .........................................................................................................................7

3.1 Unpacking and Inspection..............................................................................................7

3.2 Installation......................................................................................................................7

3.2.1 Serial RS-232 Interface Cable Suggestion .............................................................7

3.2.2 Parallel Interface Cable...........................................................................................8

4 Interface Specifications.....................................................................................................9

4.1 Serial Interface...............................................................................................................9

4.1.1 Serial Interface Switch Settings ............................................................................10

4.2 Parallel Interface..........................................................................................................11

4.3 Flow Control.................................................................................................................11

5 Programming Information................................................................................................12

5.1 General........................................................................................................................12

5.2 Printable Characters....................................................................................................12

5.3 Graphics Mode.............................................................................................................12

5.4 Text Mode/Data Mode..................................................................................................13

5.5 Real Time Clock Option...............................................................................................13

5.6 Auto Time and Date.....................................................................................................13

5.7 International Character Sets ........................................................................................13

5.8 Control Codes and Escape Sequences.......................................................................14

5.9 Test Program ...............................................................................................................15

6 Maintenance....................................................................................................................16

6.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................16

6.2 Required Tools and Supplies.......................................................................................16

6.3 Cleaning.......................................................................................................................16

6.4 Maintenance Chart.......................................................................................................16

6.5 Warranty......................................................................................................................17

Appendix A. Printable Characters...........................................................................................18

Appendix B. Jumper Designations..........................................................................................19

Appendix C. Specifications.....................................................................................................20

Appendix D. Dimensions ........................................................................................................21

Appendix E. Cleaning Procedure ........................................................................................... 22

Telpar, Inc. Page 2 of 25

1 Introduction

This manual contains installation, operating and maintenance procedures for the
Telpar SP-401 series of low cost miniature thermal printers. The SP-401 printers are
available in 20 and 40 column Graphics and Non-Graphics configurations. These
printers are microprocessor controlled to provide a wide range of printing capabilities.
The SP-401 series of printers are small size and of a rugged design, which makes them
ideal for mobile use. In their standard configuration, they may be powered from any AC
or DC power source between 8 and 30 volts. A 115 VAC power supply is available as
an extra cost option, and also a 230 VAC power supply can be ordered as an option.

The SP-401 printers utilize a thermal print head to print dot matrix characters.
International character sets are supported by the SP-401 printers. The serial interfaces
support data rates of 50 to 19200 baud. The parallel interface is a Centronics type
which is compatible with the parallel printer ports on most personal computers.

The SP-401 series of printers may be ordered with a variety of options. Options are
a real time clock, bit image graphics mechanism, paper low sensor, and a paper take
up journal. Please contact Telpar for details regarding these options.

The SP-401 printer is available with either an RS232/20ma loop interface, an RS­485/20 ma loop interface, or a parallel interface.

SP-401 User Manual

SP-401, Usage in a Windows Environment

Printing in a Windows environment consists of sending data to the printer in
a BIT-MAPPED GRAPHICS format. Since the printer mechanisms used in the
SP-401 series of printers do not have enough resolution to print graphics well,
no Windows drivers have been written for the SP-401 series of printers and
none are currently planned.

However, testing has shown that the SP-401 series of printers CAN be used
for printing TEXT in a Windows environment by selecting the Generic/Text Only
printer driver which is furnished with Windows. Select the Generic/Text Only
driver and then use ONLY the Roman 10 cpi font. Any graphics images
imbedded in a document (including True Type fonts) will be ignored when the
document is sent to the printer. PAGE SET-UP for using the SP-401/40 column
wide printer is to set all margins to 0 and select a paper width of 4 inches. PAGE
SET-UP for using the SP-401/20 column wide printer is to set all margins to 0
and select a paper width of 2 inches.

Telpar, Inc. Page 3 of 25

2 Operator Information

2.1 Turn on and Self Test

The operating controls of the SP-401 have been kept to a minimum. A
convenient self test feature allows the operator to quickly determine that the
printer is operating correctly. The functions of operating controls are as follows:

Control Function

Thumb Wheel Used on non-graphic model SP-401 printers to

L.E.D. Indicates power on and paper installed when

Switch Power off in down position, Power on in middle,

Latch To secure the main body of the printer to the

SP-401 User Manual

advance the paper.
Do not rotate thumbwheel in a downward motion,

this will damage the paper feed mechanism.

green, paper out when flashing red and green,
optional paper low when red.

and paper advance in the top (spring loaded)
position.

mounting box.

Figure 1 - SP-401 Front Panel

To activate the self test feature, shut the printer off, then in one quick motion,
move the power switch to the paper advance position and hold it there until the
self test text begins. Once the self test routine begins you may let go of the switch
and let the printer finish the self test. To stop the self test before the end of the
message, power down the printer.

For units with Debug Function Test Software (Firmware versions 9.0 and
above) The self test stops after 7 lines are printed and the printer is set to debug
mode. Data sent to the printer while it is in debug mode will be printed out (by the
printer) in the format as sent to the printer. ASCII printable characters (21 through

THUMBWHEEL IS
AVAILABLE ON NON­GRAPHICS
VERSIONS ONLY

ARROW SHOWS
DIRECTION TO TURN
WHEEL - TURNING IT
BACKWARDS WILL
CAUSE DAMAGE

LED
SWITCH

LATCH

Telpar, Inc. Page 4 of 25

SP-401 User Manual

7 F hex) will be printed out as the actual character for readability 20 hex, the
space character is printed as a rectangle. Non-printable characters will be printed
in Hexadecimal form with a < before and a > after the hexadecimal code. To end
the debug function, power down the printer.

For the highest quality output and maximum thermal head life, it is
recommended that Telpar paper be used.

2.2 Paper Loading

Rotate the printers Front Panel Latch counter clockwise to release the printer
from the panel mount box. Once released, slide the printer out of the box for
paper loading. Install the paper spindle into a the roll of thermal paper. Position
the roll of paper so that it will feed from the top, then place the roll and spindle
into the paper support brackets, making certain that the paper is level. It is
recommended that the paper be cut back beyond and tape or glue residue and
then cut into an arc before feeding into the printer mechanism. (Note: Scissors cut
is preferred).

Example of arc cut
leading edgeDirection of feed

To load paper, turn on the power. Now feed the cut edge of the paper into the
guide until the paper stops. This printer will automatically feed the paper 10 line
feeds when the optical sensor detects paper. At this time it is recommended that a
self test be performed to ensure that the paper is installed correctly, (thermal side
up) and that it is feeding properly. The printer may now be installed back into the
panel mount box. Slide printer into the panel box unit fully seated. Rotate the
Front Panel Latch clockwise to fasten the printer in place with the box.

In the event of a paper jam condition do not force paper into the unit, or try to
pry the paper out of the unit, this may damage the thermal print mechanism.
Disconnect primary power and interface cable before servicing the unit. Open
printer and remove the face plate by removing the two 4/40 nuts on the back of
the face plate, this will allow access to the printer mechanism. Carefully remove
paper with a set of tweezers, or a small pair of needle-nose pliers. Once paper is
cleared from the mechanism, re-assemble the unit. At this time, re-load the paper.

Telpar, Inc. Page 5 of 25

SP-401 User Manual

2.3 Journal Take Up

The SP-401 printers are offered with a Journal Take Up as an option. Paper
should be loaded onto the journal only after a self test is performed to ensure that
the printer functions properly. The journal take up is activated automatically when
the printer performs a carriage return or line feed. To install paper onto the take
up journal, feed paper successfully through the printer mechanism to allow
approximately 4 inches of paper to feed out of the face plate. Position the take up
journal to show the pinch rod on top. Unscrew the fastener on the right side of the
take up journal and remove the right side disk and pinch rod assembly. Drape
paper under the guide rod and over the top of the take up journal spinde, then
reinstall right side disk and pinch rod. Paper should be repositioned between the
take up journal and the pinch rod at this time. Power printer and press the paper
advance to remove slack in the paper.

Figure 2 - SP-401 Paper Feed

Telpar, Inc. Page 6 of 25

3 Installation

3.1 Unpacking and Inspection

occurred in transit. Should any damage have occurred, notify Telpar, save the
shipping carton and packing materials, and file a damage claim with the carrier.
Specify the nature and the extent of the damage.

packing materials or other foreign matter.

paper

3.2 Installation

SP-401 User Manual

Carefully unpack and inspect your SP-401 for any damage which may have

Before installing or operating the printer, check the following:

Ensure that the primary power setting is correct for your installation.

1.

Ensure that the printer mechanism and paper path are clear of all

2.

Ensure that paper is installed.

3.

. Refer to Section 2.2 for paper loading instructions.

3.2.1 Serial RS-232 Interface Cable Suggestion

Connect the data interface cable to the SP-401; if the RS-232
interface has been selected use a null modem cable to connect to
the host. If the current loop interface has been selected, a cable will
need to be locally fabricated. A suggested cable diagram is shown
below. For more information on communication signals see section

4.1.

Do not operate the printer without

COMPUTER DB9 PRINTER DB25

2 RXD 2 TXD
3 TXD 3 RXD

4 DTR 6 DSR
5 COM 7 COM
6 DSR
8 CTS 11 BUSY

Telpar, Inc. Page 7 of 25

3.2.2 Parallel Interface Cable

This parallel cable configuration is used to interface the SP-401
with all IBM and IBM compatible systems. This cable connects the
interface to the printer with a 1:1 cable connection, and is terminated
by a DB-25P on each end. This 25 pin cable configuration is
available at most computer supply stores. Ex. Pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to
pin 2, pin 25 to pin 25.
parallel printing should be limited to 25 feet or less.

Note:

SP-401 User Manual

Cable length for the standard mode of

Note:

Cable length for the standard mode of parallel printing

(through MS-DOS) should be limited to 25 feet or less.

Telpar, Inc. Page 8 of 25