TSC Alpha-4L Series User Manual

USER’S

MANUAL

Alpha-4L Series

Direct Thermal Portable Bar Code Printer

Copyright Information

© 2013 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd,
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer described

therein are owned by TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd, All rights reserved.

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold
Condensed font is under license from the Monotype Corporation. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for
any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed
written permission of TSC Auto ID Technology Co.

- ii -

Agency Compliance and Approvals

EN 55022/24, IEC 61000-3-3, IEC 61000-3-2
EN 300328, EN 301489

Part 15B/C

EN 60950-1

GB 9254
GB 4943.1
GB 17625.1

Wichtige Sicherheits-Hinweise

1. Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch.

2. Heben Sie diese Anleitung fűr den späteren Gebrauch auf.

3. Vor jedem Reinigen ist das Gerät vom Stromentz zu trennen. Verwenden Sie keine Flüssig-oder
Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes Tuch zur Reinigung.

4. Die Netzanschluß-Steckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebracht und leicht zugänglich sein.

5. Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schűtzen.

6. Bei der Aufstellung des Gerätes ist auf sicheren Stand zu achten. Ein Kippen oder Fallen könnte
Beschädigungen hervorrufen.

7. Beachten Sie beim Anschluß ans Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.

8. Dieses Gerät kann bis zu einer Außentemperatur von maximal 40℃ betrieben werden.

Battery safety warning:

DO NOT throw the battery in fire.
DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery.
DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal

waste.

- iii -

CAUTION

Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.

Class B:

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the

user's authority to operate the equipment.

RF exposure warning (WiFi)

This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and must not
be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and
installers must be providing with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions
for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

SAR Value: 0.663 W/kg

- iv -

RF exposure warning (For Bluetooth)

The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
The equipment must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or

transmitter.

Canada, Industry Canada (IC) Notices
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.

Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Information
The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Industry Canada (IC)
radio frequency exposure limits. The Wireless Device should be used in such a manner
such that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.

This device has been evaluated for and shown compliant with the IC Specific Absorption

Rate (“SAR”) limits when installed in specific host products operated in portable

exposure conditions. (For WiFi)

This device has also been evaluated and shown compliant with the IC RF Exposure
limits under portable exposure conditions. (antennas are less than 20 cm of a person's
body). (For Bluetooth)

Canada, avis d'Industry Canada (IC)
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003 et
RSS-210.

Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer
d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui
peuvent affecter son fonctionnement.

Informations concernant l'exposition aux fréquences radio (RF)

La puissance de sortie émise par l’appareil de sans fil est inférieure à la limite
d'exposition aux fréquences radio d'Industry Canada (IC). Utilisez l’appareil de sans fil de

façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors du fonctionnement normal.

Ce périphérique a été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites SAR (Specific Absorption Rate – Taux
d'absorption spécifique) d'IC lorsqu'il est installé dans des produits hôtes particuliers qui fonctionnent
dans des conditions d'exposition à des appareils portables. (For WiFi)

- v -

Ce périphérique a également été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites d'exposition aux RF d'IC
dans des conditions d'exposition à des appareils portables. (les antennes sont moins de 20 cm du
corps d'une personne). (For Bluetooth)

电池安全警告：
◎ 勿将电池扔于火中。
◎ 勿将电池接点短路。
◎ 不可拆解电池。
◎ 不乱将电池当成一般废弃物处理。
◎ 打叉的垃圾桶符号表示电池不应该被放置到一般废弃堆中。

注意:
◎ 更换不正确型号类型的电池, 将产生爆炸危险。
◎ 请根据使用说明处理用过的电池。

- vi -

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Product Introduction ............................................................................................. 1

1.2 Product Features ................................................................................................... 2

1.2.1 Printer Standard Features ................................................................................................ 2

1.2.2 Printer Optional Features ................................................................................................ 3

1.3 General Specifications .......................................................................................... 5

1.4 Print Specifications ............................................................................................... 5

1.5 Media Specifications ............................................................................................. 6

2. Operations Overview .................................................................................................. 7

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection .................................................................................... 7

2.2 Printer Overview .................................................................................................. 8

2.2.1 Front View ............................................................................................................................. 8

2.2.2 Rear View .............................................................................................................................. 9

2.3 Operator Control ................................................................................................ 10

2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys ................................................................................................ 10

2.3.2 LED Indication and Keys for LCD (Option) ............................................................... 11

3. Setup .......................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Install the Belt Clip and Battery .......................................................................... 12

3.2 Charge the Battery ............................................................................................... 13

3.2.1 Charge the Battery ............................................................................................................ 13

3.3 Loading the Media ............................................................................................... 14

3.3.1 Loading the Media ............................................................................................................ 14

3.3.2 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode .................................................................................. 16

3.3.3 Loading the Fan-fold/External Media ........................................................................ 19

3.3.4 Loading the Linerless Media (Option) ....................................................................... 21

3.4 Connecting the Printer ...................................................................................... 22

3.4.1 Cable Communications ................................................................................................... 22

3.4.2 Wireless Communications with Bluetooth ............................................................... 22

3.4.3 Wireless Communications with Wi-Fi (Option) ..................................................... 23

3.5 Install the IP54-rated Environmental Case with Shoulder Strap (Option) ...... 24

4. Power-on Utilities .................................................................................................... 25

- vii -

4.1 Power-on Utility for Standard Panel .................................................................. 25

4.1.1 Media Sensor Calibration ............................................................................................... 26

4.1.2 Self-test and Dump Mode ............................................................................................... 26

4.1.3 Printer Initialization ........................................................................................................ 27

4.2 Power-on Utility for LCD Panel (Option) .......................................................... 28

4.2.1 Media Sensor Calibration ............................................................................................... 28

4.2.2 Self-test and Dump Mode ............................................................................................... 29

4.2.3 Printer Initialization ....................................................................................................... 30

4.3 Self-test ................................................................................................................ 31

4.4 Dump mode ........................................................................................................ 32

4.5 Printer defaults ................................................................................................... 33

5. Diagnostic Tool ......................................................................................................... 34

5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool .................................................................................... 34

5.2 Printer Function ................................................................................................. 35

5.3 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool ................................................................ 36

5.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Diagnostic Tool (Option) ........................................................ 37

6. LCD Menu Function (Option) .................................................................................. 38

6.1 How to use the LCD to set the printer ................................................................ 38

6.2 Main Menu Overview ......................................................................................... 40

6.3 Setup .................................................................................................................... 41

6.3.1 Printer Setup ...................................................................................................................... 41

6.3.1-1 Printer setup for TSPL2 ............................................................................................... 41

6.3.1-2 Printer setup for EPL2 ................................................................................................. 43

6.3.2 Sensor................................................................................................................................... 45

6.3.3 Serial Comm. ...................................................................................................................... 46

6.3.4 Wireless LAN ..................................................................................................................... 47

6.3.5 Bluetooth ............................................................................................................................. 48

6.3.6 Date Time ............................................................................................................................ 48

6.3.7 Display .................................................................................................................................. 49

6.4 File Manager ...................................................................................................... 50

6.5 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................... 51

6.5.1 Print Config. ....................................................................................................................... 51

6.5.2 Dump Mode ........................................................................................................................ 51

6.5.3 Battery .................................................................................................................................. 52

- viii -

6.5.4 Print Head ........................................................................................................................... 52

6.6 Language ............................................................................................................ 53

6.7 Service ................................................................................................................. 53

7. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 54

8. Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 56

Revise History ............................................................................................................... 57

1. Introduction

1.1 Product Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.

Enjoy TSC’s reputation for cost-efficient, high durability printers with the Alpha-4L
economical receipt printer. The Alpha-4L is a comfortable, light-weight printer capable of
working with any mobile receipt printing application where you need quick, simple receipts
on demand. Our Alpha-4L is designed for a rough life, inside the IP54-rated environmental
case to resist dust and water and with its rubber over-mold design prepared to take up to a
five foot fall and keep printing. These small and light printers can be worn comfortably for a
full shift, without interfering with the user’s tasks. Use USB, Bluetooth, optional 802.11
b/g/n Wireless or serial to connect to a mobile computer or even a smart phone and
produce clear easy-to-read receipts hour after hour.

This document provides an easy reference for operating the Alpha-4L.

The online version of the Programmer's manual, or more information can be downloaded
from service and support web site as an Adobe Acrobat Reader file.

To print label formats, please refer to the instructions provided with your labeling software;
if you need to write the custom programs, please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2 programming
manual that can be found on the accessories CD-ROM or on TSC website at

http://www.tscprinters.com.

− Applications

 Portable point of sale
 Retail item marking, markdowns, shelf labeling & shelf talkers
 Labels for shipping & receiving
 Inventory control
 Cross-docking
 Pick, pack & apply operations
 Print pick tickets
 Logistics receipts

- 2 -

1.2 Product Features

1.2.1 Printer Standard Features

The printer offers the following standard features.

Product standard feature

Direct thermal printing

Black mark reflective sensor
(center position , black mark in back side)

Gap transmissive sensor (Fixed, center of offset 2.75 mm to right from center)

Head open sensor

Peeler sensor

2 operation buttons (On/off and feed)

3 LEDs for printer status, 3 LEDs for battery status

USB 2.0 (full speed) interface

Class 2 Bluetooth 2.1 module

32 MB SDRAM memory

16 MB FLASH memory

Micro SD card reader for memory expansion up to SDHC 4G (max.)

DC 7.2V/5800 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery

Real time clock

Powerful 32 bit 200 MHz RISC processor

Eltron

®

EPL and Zebra

®

ZPL emulation languages support

Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts

Internal Monotype Imaging® true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold
Condensed scalable font

Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions (0, 90,180,
270 degree)

Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory

Downloadable firmware upgrades

Bar code, graphics/image printing

Supported bar code (Support for F/W 7.0 up)

Supported image

1D bar code

2D bar code

BITMAP, BMP, PCX
(Max. 256 colors
graphics)

Code128 subsets A.B.C,
Code128UCC, EAN128, Interleave 2
of 5, Code 39, Code 93, EAN-13,
EAN-8, Codabar, POSTNET, UPC-A,
UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits,
MSI, PLESSEY, China Post, ITF14,
EAN14, Code 11, TELPEN,
PLANET, Code 49, Deutsche Post
Identcode, Deutsche Post Leitcode,
LOGMARS

CODABLOCK F
mode, DataMatrix,
Maxicode, PDF-417,
Aztec,
MicroPDF417, QR
code, RSS Barcode
(GS1 Databar)

- 3 -

Code page (Support for F/W 7.0 up)

 Codepage 437 (English - US)
 Codepage 737 (Greek)
 Codepage 850 (Latin-1)
 Codepage 852 (Latin-2)
 Codepage 855 (Cyrillic)
 Codepage 857 (Turkish)
 Codepage 860 (Portuguese)
 Codepage 861 (Icelandic)
 Codepage 862 (Hebrew)
 Codepage 863 (French Canadian)
 Codepage 864 (Arabic)
 Codepage 865 (Nordic)
 Codepage 866 (Russian)
 Codepage 869 (Greek 2)
 Codepage 950 (Traditional Chinese)
 Codepage 936 (Simplified Chinese)
 Codepage 932 (Japanese)
 Codepage 949 (Korean)
 Codepage 1250 (Latin-2)
 Codepage 1251 (Cyrillic)
 Codepage 1252 (Latin-1)
 Codepage 1253 (Greek)
 Codepage 1254 (Turkish)
 Codepage 1255 (Hebrew)
 Codepage 1256 (Arabic)
 Codepage 1257 (Baltic)
 Codepage 1258 (Vietnam)
 ISO-8859-1: Latin-1 (Western European)
 ISO-8859-2: Latin-2 (Central European)
 ISO-8859-3: Latin-3 (South European)
 ISO-8859-4: Latin-4 (North European)
 ISO-8859-5: Cyrillic
 ISO-8859-6: Arabic
 ISO-8859-7: Greek
 ISO-8859-7: Hebrew
 ISO-8859-9: Turkish
 ISO-8859-10: Nordic
 ISO-8859-15: Latin-9
 UTF-8

1.2.2 Printer Optional Features

The printer offers the following optional features.

Product option feature

User

option

Factory

option

2” LCD (Liquid crystal display), 128 x 64 pixels resolution
w/white LED backlight (with 4 buttons and 2 LEDs)

○

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n

○

Zebra® CPCL emulation language support

○

Media sensor position
(position selectable – right/left/center position-factory
adjustment, default – center position)

○

Linerless kit

○

- 4 -

USB cable

○

USB to RS-232 (serial) converter cable

○

IP54-rated environmental case for standard model

○

IP54-rated environmental case for linerless model

○

Shoulder strap

○

DC 7.2V/5800 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery

○

12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug

○

1 battery charger station

○

- 5 -

1.3 General Specifications

General Specifications

Physical
dimensions

160 mm (W) x 191.6 mm (H) x 79 mm (D)

Mechanism

Plastic with rubber over molded

Weight

0.945 kg (w/o battery)

Power

External power adapter
Input: AC 100-240V
Output: DC 12V 1A

Environmental
condition

Operation: -10 ~ 50˚C (14 ~ 122˚F)
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F)
Relative humidity: 10 ~ 90% non-condensing
IP54 w/ IP54-rated environmental case
Drop 1.5m (5ft)
Drop 1.8m (6.5ft) w/ IP54-rated environmental case

Battery Spec

 Charging time: 5~6 hr
 Standby mode (Bluetooth): up to 32 hr
 Standby mode (Wi-Fi): up to 18 hr
 Printing: one label per 2 minutes,

Condition

Endurance (hr)

4”x6” Labels

Density 3

26

780

Density 8

21

650

Charging
capability

Internal charging capability (battery-in)
Auto-switching AC adapter
12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug
External charging capability (battery-out)
1 battery charger station

1.4 Print Specifications

Print Specifications

Print head resolution
(dots per inch/mm)

203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)

Printing method

Direct thermal

Dot size
(width x length)

0.125 x 0.125 mm
(1 mm = 8 dots)

Print speed
(inches per second)

Max. 4 ips (100 mm/sec)

2,3 ips for peeler mode

Max. print width

4.09” (104 mm)

Max. print length

90” (2286 mm)

Printout bias

Vertical: 1 mm max.
Horizontal: 1 mm max.

- 6 -

1.5 Media Specifications

Media Specifications

Media roll capacity

Max. 2.65” (67.3 mm) OD

Media core diameter

12.7 mm ~ 25.4 mm (0.5” ~ 1”) ID core

Media type

Continuous, die-cut, black mark, External fan­fold, receipt, Linerless label (w/ linerless kit)

Media wound type

Outside wound

Media width

50.8 mm ~ 112 mm

Media thickness

0.055 mm ~ 0.165 mm

Label length

12.7 mm ~ 2286 mm

Label length (peeler mode)

25.4 ~ 152.4 mm (1” ~ 6”)

External fan-fold media

Stack height: 70 mm (2.75”)
Page length: 152 mm ~ 305 mm (6” ~ 12”)

Black mark

Min. 8 mm (W) x 2 mm (H)

Gap height

Min. 2 mm

- 7 -

2. Operations Overview

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

This printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping. Please
carefully inspect the packaging and printer upon receiving the bar code printer. Please
retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the printer.

Unpacking the printer, the following items are included in the carton.

If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor.

 One printer unit
 One Li-ion rechargeable battery (5800 mAh)
 One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
 One quick installation guide
 One auto-switching AC adaptor
 One belt clip

- 8 -

2.2 Printer Overview

2.2.1 Front View

Note:

* The media sensor position is selectable by factory adjustment. Please refer to this figure

for default settings. (Default – center position)

* For LCD control panel (option), please refer to subsection 2.3.2 for more details.

1. Power on/off button

2. Feed button

3. Printer status LED indicator

4. Battery status LED indicator

5. Media cover release button

6. Peel-off sensor (Without for linerless model)

7. Print head

8. Transmissive sensor – Gap sensor

9. Media holder lock switch

10. Media holder

11. Media cover

12. Reflective sensor – Black mark sensor

13. Platen roller

14. Tear/Peeler bar (Without for linerless model)

15. Peeler module

9

2

1

3

4

6

8
7

5
10

11

12

13

15

14

- 9 -

2.2.2 Rear View

Note:
* Recommended MicroSD card specification.

SD card spec

SD card capacity

Approved SD card manufacturer

V1.0, V1.1

MicroSD 128 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

MicroSD 256 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

MicroSD 512 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

MicroSD 1 GB

Transcend, Panasonic

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6

MicroSD 4 GB

Transcend

- The DOS FAT file system is supported for the SD card.

- Folders/files stored in the SD card should be in the 8.3 filename format

1. Li-ion battery

2. Belt chip

3. Battery open clasp

4. Hanger for shoulder strap

5. External label entrance chute

6. USB interface

7. * MicroSD card socket

8. Power jack

1

3

2

4

7

6
5

8

- 10 -

2.3 Operator Control

2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys

Keys

Function

− Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer

− Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer

− Ready status: Feed one label

− Printing status: Pause the print job

LEDs

Status

Indication

Green (solid)
Full charged

2/3 charged level

Green (solid)

1/3 charged level

Green (blinking)

Low battery

Amber (solid)

Battery is charging

Blue (solid)

Bluetooth device is ready

Blue (blinking)

Bluetooth device is communicating

Blue (solid)

WiFi device is ready

Blue (blinking)

WiFi device is communicating

Note: WiFi device is optional.

Off

Printer is ready

Green (blinking)

− Printer is paused

− Printer is downloading data

Red (solid)

− Media cover is open

− Out of memory

Red (blinking)

− No paper

− Paper jam

Amber (solid)

− Clean data

− Printer is busy

- 11 -

2.3.2 LED Indication and Keys for LCD (Option)

Note: Please refer to the section 6 for more details about LCD.

Keys

Function

− Display the printer information

− Button for LCD setting menu

− Enter the printer setting menu

− Button for LCD setting menu

− Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer

− Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer

− Button for LCD setting menu

− Ready status: Feed one label

− Printing status: Pause the print job

− Button for LCD setting menu

LEDs

Status

Indication

Error

Off

Printer is ready

Red (solid)

− Media cover is open

− Out of memory

− Clean data

− Printer is busy

Red (blinking)

− No paper

− Paper jam

Power

Off

Printer power is turned off

Green (solid)

− Printer power is turned on

− Battery is full charged

Green (blinking)

Low battery

Amber (solid)

Battery is charging

LCD

Indication

Printer has been connected with cable

Bluetooth devices have been paired

Wi-Fi device has been connected

XX

Battery capacity %

- 12 -

3. Setup

3.1 Install the Belt Clip and Battery

1. Insert the belt clip first.

2. Insert the left side to install the

battery at the rear of the
printer.

3. Push the right side of the

battery.

Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the battery in fire. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be
placed in municipal waste.

PUSH

- 13 -

3.2 Charge the Battery

It takes 5~6 hours to fully charge the battery before the first time usage. The lifetime of
the battery is 300 times for charge/discharge cycles.

3.2.1 Charge the Battery

1. The battery is installed into the

printer.

2. Open the interface cover and plug

the power cord to the power jack.

3. Plug the power cord into a properly

power outlet.

Note:
Please switch OFF printer power prior to
plug in the power cord to printer power
jack.
When the battery is charging, please do
not remove the battery from the printer,
otherwise, please re-plug the power cord
into a power outlet.

Standard panel:

LCD panel: (option)

4. When the battery is changing, the

color of battery status LED indicator
is solid amber.

Note:
The battery is completely charged and
the amber of LED indicator will turn to
green.

- 14 -

3.3 Loading the Media

3.3.1 Loading the Media

1. Open the printer media
cover by pressing the
media cover release
button.

2. Pull the media holders
apart to fit the label roll
width.

3. Place the roll between the
media holders and close
them onto the core. Place
the paper, printing side
face up, and pull out
enough paper over the print
head.

- 15 -

4. Press each side of media
cover to close the media
cover and make sure the
media cover closed
correctly.

Note:
* Please calibrate the gap/black

mark sensor when changing
media. Turn on the printer and
open/close the media cover
then it will calibrate the
sensor automatically.

* Please refer to video on TSC

YouTube or driver CD.

- 16 -

3.3.2 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode

1. Please refer to subsection

3.3.1 to loading the media

roll into the printer.

Note:
Please calibrate the gap/black
mark sensor after loading
media in peel-off mode. Turn
on the printer and open/close
the media cover then it will
calibrate the sensor
automatically.

2. Remove 1~2 labels from
the liner.

3. Press each side of media
cover to close the media
cover and make sure the
media cover closed
correctly.

- 17 -

4. Feed the liner go through
the peeler module. (as
figure shown)

5. Pull the liner tightly.

6. Move the peeler module to near the peeler bar by pushing each side of peeler
module. (cover the platen roller)

- 18 -

7. Press down the peeler module to lock it.

Loose the peeler module in the reverse procedures:

- 19 -

3.3.3 Loading the Fan-fold/External Media

1. Open the printer media cover by
pressing the media cover
release button. Pull the media
holders apart to fit the media
width.

2. Push down each side of media
holder lock switch to fix the
media holder.

3. Feed the media through the rear
external label entrance chute.
Place the paper, printing side
face up.

- 20 -

4. Press each side of media cover
to close the media cover and
make sure the media cover
closed correctly.

Note:
Please calibrate the gap/black mark
sensor when changing media. Turn
on the printer and open/close the
media cover then it will calibrate the

sensor automatically.

- 21 -

3.3.4 Loading the Linerless Media (Option)

1. Please refer to subsection 3.3.1
to loading the media roll into the
printer.

2. Push down each side of media
holder lock switch to fix the
media holder for using linerless
media.

3. Place the paper, printing side
face up, and pull out enough
paper over the print head.

4. Press each side of media cover
to close the media cover and
make sure the media cover
closed correctly.

Note:
Please calibrate the gap/black mark
sensor when changing media. Turn
on the printer and open/close the
media cover then it will calibrate the
sensor automatically.

- 22 -

3.4 Connecting the Printer

The printer must establish communication with a host terminal which sends the data to
be printed. There are three ways to connect for Alpha-4L series,

* By a cable between the printer and its host terminal
* By a Bluetooth short-range radio
* By a Wireless LAN per 802.1 b/g (Option)

3.4.1 Cable Communications

Open the interface cover and connect the printer to the computer/smart phone
(host terminal) with USB cable. (USB to USB or USB to RS-232)

3.4.2 Wireless Communications with Bluetooth

1. Turn on the printer.

2. Open the Bluetooth device for host terminal to scan for printer’s Bluetooth

device.

3. Connect the Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth LED will turn on blue (the

Bluetooth icon will be shown for LCD panel) if devices have been paired.

Printer Bluetooth default

Address

You can find this info from configuration (self-test) page,
please refer to section 4 for how to print out the self-test.

Name

BT-SPP

PIN

0000

Note:
Please refer to section 5.3 to change the name and PIN by DiagTool. If your printer
supports the LCD, please refer the section 6.3.5 to change the name and PIN directly.

USB connector (Printer)

USB/RS-232 connector (PC)

- 23 -

3.4.3 Wireless Communications with Wi-Fi (Option)

You should set the WLAN settings via the cable for first using. Please refer to section 5.4 to
setting the Wi-Fi module. If your printer supports the LCD, please refer the section 6.3.4 to set the
WLAN settings.

- 24 -

3.5 Install the IP54-rated Environmental Case with Shoulder Strap (Option)

1. Open the case top
cover.

2. Put the printer into the
case.

3. Close the case top
cover. The outside
cover should be
opened while printing.

- 25 -

4. Power-on Utilities

There are three power-on utilities to set up and test printer hardware. These utilities are
activated by pressing FEED button ( ) then turning on the printer power ( ) simultaneously

and release the button at different positions of LED indicator.

4.1 Power-on Utility for Standard Panel

Please follow the steps below for different power-on utilities.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when LED color turn on amber.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the button ( ) when battery LED
indicates with different positions for each function.

Power on utilities
for standard panel

The battery LED light will be changed as following.

LED

(5 blinks)

(5 blinks)

(5 blinks)

Release FEED
button ( ) for

different functions

Media sensor

calibration

(Please refer to 4.1.1)

Media sensor

calibration, self-test

and enter dump mode

(Please refer to 4.1.2)

Printer initialization

(Please refer to 4.1.3)

- 26 -

4.1.1 Media Sensor Calibration

Please follow the steps below to calibrate the media sensor.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when LED color turn on amber.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when the
indicator becomes and blinking.

5. Printer will calibrate the gap/black mark sensor sensitivity.

Note: You also can do this function by open/close the media cover when turn on the

printer.

 The LEDs will be changed as following figures:

Beep sound twice  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  Turn

on the printer

4.1.2 Self-test and Dump Mode

Please follow the steps below.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when LED color turn on amber.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

- 27 -

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when the

indicator becomes and blinking.

5. Printer will calibrate the sensor and print out the internal settings, then enter the dump

mode.

Note: Turn off/on the power or press FEED button to resume printer from dump mode

to normal printing mode. Please refer to sections 4.3 and 4.4 for more details of
self-test and dump mode.

 The LEDs will be changed as following figures:

Beep sound twice  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  Turn
on the printer

4.1.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization is used to clear DRAM and restore printer settings to defaults.

Printer initialization is activated by the following procedures.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when LED color turn on amber.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when the
indicator becomes and blinking.

5. Printer will restore printer settings to defaults.

Note: Please refer to section 4.5 for printer defaults.

 The LEDs will be changed as following figures:

Beep sound twice  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  Turn
on the printer

- 28 -

4.2 Power-on Utility for LCD Panel (Option)

Please follow the steps below for different power-on utilities.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when “Error” LED color turn on red.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the button ( ) when LCD indicate
for different functions.

4.2.1 Media Sensor Calibration

Please follow the steps below to calibrate the media sensor.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when “Error” LED color turn on red.

Power on utilities
for LCD panel

The LCD will be changed as following.

LCD

Calibrate…..

(5 dots)

Self Test…..

(5 dots)

Initialize…..

(5 dots)

Release FEED
button ( ) for

different functions

Media sensor calibration

(Please refer to 4.2.1)

Media sensor

calibration, self-test and

enter dump mode

(Please refer to 4.2.2)

Printer initialization

(Please refer to 4.2.3)

- 29 -

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when LCD
showing “Calibrate…..”.

5. Printer will calibrate the gap/black mark sensor sensitivity.

Note: You also can do this function by open/close the media cover when turn on the

printer.

 The LCD will be changed as following:

Beep sound twice  Calibrate….. (5 dots)  Self Test….. (5 dots)  Initialize….. (5

dots)  Turn on the printer

4.2.2 Self-test and Dump Mode

Please follow the steps below.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when “Error” LED color turn on red.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when LCD

showing “Self Test…..”.

5. Printer will calibrate the sensor and print out the internal settings, then enter the dump

mode.

Note: Turn off/on the power or press FEED button to resume printer for normal printing.

(Ready mode) Please refer to sections 4.3 and 4.4 for more details.

 The LCD will be changed as following figures:

- 30 -

Beep sound twice  Calibrate….. (5 dots)  Self Test….. (5 dots)  Initialize….. (5
dots)  Turn on the printer

4.2.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization is used to clear DRAM and restore printer settings to defaults.

Printer initialization is activated by the following procedures.

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the FEED button ( ) then turn on the power switch ( ).

3. Release the power switch ( ) when “Error” LED color turn on red.

Note: In this moment, you should still hold on the FEED button.

4. The printer will beep sound twice later, then release the FEED button ( ) when the
LCD showing “Initialize…..”.

5. Printer will restore printer settings to defaults.

Note: Please refer to section 4.5 for printer defaults.

 The LCD will be changed as following figures:

Beep sound twice  Calibrate….. (5 dots)  Self Test….. (5 dots)  Initialize….. (5

dots)  Turn on the printer

- 31 -

4.3 Self-test

Printer will print the printer configuration after media sensor calibration. Self-test

printout can be used to check if there is any dot damage on the heater element,
printer configurations and available memory space.

Note: Self-test printout requires 4” wide paper width.

Printer model name & Main board firmware version
Printer serial number
Printed mileage
Main board firmware checksum
Serial port setting
Code page
Country code
Print speed
Print darkness
Label size (width, height)
Gap/Black mark (vertical gap, offset)
Sensor sensitivity
Battery voltage
Print head temperature
Print head average resistance
Bad dots of print head

Bluetooth settings information

WiFi settings information (option)

File management information

Print head test pattern

- 32 -

4.4 Dump mode

Printer will enter dump mode after printing printer configuration. In the dump mode, all
characters will be printed in 2 columns as following. The left side characters are
received from your system and right side data are the corresponding hexadecimal
value of the characters. It allows users or engineers to verify and debug the program.

Note:

1. Dump mode requires 4” wide paper width.

2. Turn off / on the power or press FEED button to resume printer for normal printing.

(Ready mode)

ASCII Data

Hex decimal data related to left
column of ASCII data

- 33 -

4.5 Printer defaults

Printer configuration will be restored to defaults as below after initialization.

Parameter

Default setting

Speed

50.8 mm/sec (2 ips)

Density

8

Media Width

4” (101.5 mm)

Media Height

4” (101.5 mm)

Sensor Type

Gap sensor

Print Direction

0

Reference Point

0,0 (upper left corner)

Gap Offset

0

Post-Print Action

Tear mode

Serial Port Settings

9600 bps, none parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit

Code Page

850

Country Code

001

Clear Flash Memory

No

Note:
When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap or black mark sensor before
printing.

- 34 -

5. Diagnostic Tool

TSC’s Diagnostic Utility is an integrated tool incorporating features that enable you to

explore a printer’s settings/status; change a printer’s settings; download graphics, fonts

and firmware; create a printer bitmap font; and send additional commands to a printer.
With the aid of this powerful tool, you can review printer status and setting in an instant,
which makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and other issues.

5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool

1. Double click on the Diagnostic tool icon to start the software.

2. There are four features (Printer Configuration, File Manager, Bitmap Font Manager,
Command Tool) included in the Diagnostic utility.

Features tab

Printer
functions

Interface

Printer Status

Printer setup

- 35 -

5.2 Printer Function

1. Connect the printer and computer with a cable.

Note:

* The printer connects with the computer via USB to USB cable or USB to RS-232 cable

(option).

2. Select the PC interface connected with bar code printer.

USB to USB cable

USB to RS-232 cable

The default interface setting is USB
interface. If USB interface is
connected with printer, no other
settings need to be changed in the
interface field.

3. Click the “Printer Function” button to setup.

4. The detail functions in the Printer Function Group are listed as below.

Function

Description

Calibrate Sensor

Calibrate the sensor specified in the Printer
Setup group media sensor field

Ethernet Setup

Setup the IP address, subnet mask, gateway for
the on board Ethernet

RTC Setup

Synchronize printer Real Time Clock with PC

Factory Default

Initialize the printer and restore the settings to
factory default.

Reset Printer

Reboot printer

Print Test Page

Print a test page

Configuration Page

Print printer configuration

Dump Text

To activate the printer dump mode.

Ignore AUTO.BAS

Ignore the downloaded AUTO.BAS program

Exit Line Mode

Exit line mode.

Password Setup

Set the password to protect the settings

For more information about Diagnostic Tool, please refer to the diagnostic utility quick start
guide in the CD disk \ Utilities directory.

1

2

- 36 -

5.3 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool

1. Connect the printer and computer with a cable.

Note:

* The printer connects with the computer via USB to USB cable or USB to RS-232 cable

(option).

2. Turn on the printer power switch.

3. Open Diagnostic tool and set interface. (The default setting is USB)

USB to USB cable

USB to RS-232 cable

The default interface setting is USB
interface. If USB interface is
connected with printer, no other
settings need to be changed in the
interface field.

4. Select “Wireless” tab and click on “Built-in wireless module” item.

5. Enter the new BT Local Name or BT PIN Code in the editor.

6. Press “Set” button to set the new BT name or BT PIN code of the printer.

7. Press “Get” button to get back the settings. Make sure the Bluetooth module settings

are set properly.

1

2 3 4 5 1

2

- 37 -

5.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Diagnostic Tool (Option)

1. Connect the printer and computer with the cable.

Note:

* The printer connects with the computer via USB to USB cable or USB to RS-232 cable

(option).

2. Turn on the printer power switch.

3. Open Diagnostic tool and set interface. (The default setting is USB.)

USB to USB cable

USB to RS-232 cable

The default interface setting is USB
interface. If USB interface is
connected with printer, no other
settings need to be changed in the
interface field.

4. Select “Wireless” tab and click on “Built-in wireless module” item.

5. Enter the new WLAN settings in the editor.

6. Press “Set” button to set the new settings to the printer.

7. The Wi-Fi LED will turn on blue (the Wi-Fi icon will be shown for LCD panel) if device
has been connected.

8. Print out the self-test page to confirm if it’s connected with right settings.

9. Remove the cable to print a data for test.

1

2 3 4

1 2 5

- 38 -

6. LCD Menu Function (Option)

The Alpha-4L series offer the LCD panel for selection to further enhance its capabilities to meet the
demands of a wide range of printing solutions. This option feature includes LCD control panel, 4
buttons and 2 LED display. Please press the “M” button to enter the setting menu.

6.1 How to use the LCD to set the printer

Press the “M” button to display the function menu screen as following shown.

You can use this 4 buttons to scroll, select, enter or return the menu, depend on the icons from 4­sides of LCD. It was selected if the item with the black ground on the screen. The icon function is
listed as below,

Icon

Function

Display printer information

Enter setting menu

Power switch

Scroll up

Scroll down

Return to previous menu

Enter to next menu

Enter setting mode

Exit setting mode

Save the selected settings and return to previous
menu

Select

Alter to OFF

Alter to ON

- 39 -

For example:

Change the speed setting, please following steps as below.

1. Press “M” button to enter the setting menu. Press button to enter the “Setup” item.

2. Press button to enter the “Print Setup” item. Select the “TSPL2” item. Enter the “Speed”
setting mode.

3. At this status, you can scroll up or scroll down to select the value of print speed. Then press
the button to save the selected value into the printer. Press “ ” butter to back to “Ready

mode”.

- 40 -

6.2 Main Menu Overview

There are 5 categories for the main menu. You can easy to set the settings of printer without
connecting the computer. Please refer to following sections for more details.

↓

Date Time

Display

↓

Bluetooth

Print Head

*Wireless

↓↓↓

Serial

Battery

↓

↓

Dump Mode

Initialization

↓↓↓

Sensor

FLASH

Service

↓↓↓↓↓

Main Menu

Setup

File Manager

Diagnostics

Language

Printer

DRAM

Print Config.

English

Note:

* The Wireless LAN function is optional for Alpha-4L series.

- 41 -

6.3 Setup

This “Setup” category can set up the sensor, serial comm., wireless, Bluetooth, date time and
display settings.

6.3.1 Printer Setup

6.3.1-1 Printer setup for TSPL2

Item

Description

Default

Speed

Use this item to setup print speed. The each increase or decrease is

0.5 ips. Available setting is from 1 to 6.

2

Density

Use this option to setup printing darkness. The available setting is
from 0 to 15, and the step is 1. You may need to adjust your density
based on selected media.

8

Direction

The direction setting value is either 1 or 0. Use this item to setup the
printout direction.

DIRECTION 0

DIRECTION 1

0

Main Menu Setup TSPL2

Speed

Density

Direction

Print Mode

Offset
Shift X
Shift Y

Reference X
Reference Y

Code Page

Country

FEED

- 42 -

Print mode

This item is used to set the print mode. There are 3 modes as below,

Printer Mode

Description

None

Next label top of form is aligned to the print
head burn line location. (Tear Off Mode)

Batch Mode

Once image is printed completely, label
gap/black mark will be fed to the tear plate
location for tear away.

Peeler Mode

Enable the label peel off mode.

Batch

Mode

Offset

This item is used to fine tune media stop location. Available setting
value is from “+” to “-” or “0” to “9”.

+000

Shift X

This item is used to fine tune print position. Available setting value is

from “+” to “-” or “0” to “9”.

+000

Shift Y

+000

Reference X

This item is used to set the origin of printer coordinate system horizontally
and vertically. Available setting value is from “0” to “9”.

000

Reference Y

000

Code page

Use this item to set the code page of international character set.

850

Country

Use this option to set the country code.

001

Note: If printing from enclosed software/driver, the software/driver will send out the

commands, which will overwrite the settings set from the panel.

- 43 -

6.3.1-2 Printer setup for EPL2

Item

Description

Default

Density

Use this item to setup printing darkness. The available setting is
from 0 to 30, and the step is 1. You may need to adjust your
density based on selected media.

16

Print Speed

Use this item to setup print speed. The each increase or decrease
is 1 ips. Available setting is from 1 to 6.

2

Tear Off

This item is used to fine tune media stop location. Available
setting value is from “+” to “-” or “0” to “9”.

+000

Print mode

This item is used to set the print mode. There are 2 modes as
below,

Printer Mode

Description

Tear Off

Mode

Next label top of form is aligned to the print
head burn line location.

Peeler Mode

Enable the label peel off mode.

Tear

Off

Print Width

This item is used to set print width. The available value is from “0”
to “9”.

812

List Fonts

This feature is used to print current printer available fonts list to

N/A

Main Menu Setup EPL2

Density

Print Speed

Tear Off

Print Mode

Print Width

List Fonts

List Images

List Formats

List Setup
Control Prefix
Format Prefix

Delimiter Char

Media Power Up

Head Close

Left Position

- 44 -

the label. The fonts stored in the printer’s DRAM, Flash or
optional memory card.

List Images

This feature is used to print current printer available images list to
the label. The images stored in the printer’s DRAM, Flash or
optional memory card.

N/A

List Formats

This feature is used to print current printer available formats list to
the label. The formats stored in the printer’s DRAM, Flash or
optional memory card.

N/A

List Setup

This feature is used to print current printer configuration to the
label.

N/A

Control Prefix

This feature is used to set control prefix character.

N/A

Format Prefix

This feature is used to set format prefix character.

N/A

Delimiter Char

This feature is used to set delimiter character.

N/A

Media Power Up

This option is used to set the action of the media when you turn
on the printer.

Selections

Description

Feed

Printer will advance one label

Calibration

Printer will calibration the sensor levels,
determine length and feed label

Length

Printer determine length and feed label

No Motion

Printer will not move media

No

Motion

Head Close

This option is used to set the action of the media when you close
the print head.

Selections

Description

Feed

Printer will advance one label

Calibration

Printer will calibration the sensor levels,
determine length and feed label

Length

Printer determine length and feed label

No Motion

Printer will not move media

No

Motion

Label Top

This option is used to adjust print position vertically on the label.
The range is -120 to +120 dots.

0

Left Position

This option is used to adjust print position horizontally on the
label. The range is -9999 to +9999 dots.

+0000

Note: If printing from enclosed software/driver, the software/driver will send out the

commands, which will overwrite the settings set from the panel.

- 45 -

6.3.2 Sensor

Item

Description

Default

Auto Calibration

This item is used to set the media sensor type and calibrate the
selected sensor. Printer will feed 2 to 3 gap labels to calibrate the
sensor sensitivity automatically.

N/A

Manual Setup

In case “Auto Calibration” cannot apply to the media, please use
“Manual Setup” function to calibrate the sensor manually. Please

follow the shown step from LCD to do.

Note:
You can open the media cover to move the paper but have to
close the media cover for each scan.

N/A

Threshold

This item is used to fix the calibrated sensor sensitivity.

Auto

Maximum Length

This item is used to set the max. calibrate length.

152

Advanced

This item is used for pre-printed paper. If this advanced function is
turned “ON” then you can setup the min. paper and max.
gap/black mark size.

OFF

Main

Menu

Setup Sensor

Auto

Calibration

Gap

Black Mark

Continuous

Manual Setup

Gap

Scan Backing

Scan

Paper

Black Mark Scan Mark

Scan

Paper

Continuous

Remove

Label

Scan

Paper

Threshold

Auto

Fixed

Maximum

Length

Advanced

ON

OFF

Min. Paper

Max. Gap/Mark

- 46 -

6.3.3 Serial Comm.

Item

Description

Default

Baud Rate

This item is used to set the RS-232 baud rate.

9600

Parity

This item is used to set the RS-232 parity.

None

Data Bits

This item is used to set the RS-232 Data Bits.

8

Stop Bit(s)

This item is used to set the RS-232 Stop Bits.

1

Main Menu Setup Serial Comm.

Baud Rate

1200 bps
2400 bps
4800 bps

9600 bps
19200 bps
38400 bps
57600 bps

115200 bps

Parity

None

Odd

Even

Data Bits

7
8

Stop Bit(s)

1
2

- 47 -

6.3.4 Wireless LAN

Item

Description

Default

Operating Mode

This item is used to set the operating mode of wireless
local area networks to connect devices to the networks.

Note:
Infrastructure mode requires the use of an access
point for this communication to take place.
Ad hoc mode involves connecting a computer
directly to another computer.

Infrastructure

Scan AP

This item is used to scan the access point devise

N/A

DHCP

This item is used to ON or OFF the DHCP (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol) network protocol.

ON

Main Menu Setup Wireless LAN

Operating Mode

Infrastructure

Ad-hoc

Scan AP

DHCP

ON

OFF

- 48 -

6.3.5 Bluetooth

Item

Description

Default

Local Name

This item is used to set the local name for Bluetooth.

BT-SPP

PIN Code

This item is used to set the local PIN code for
Bluetooth.

0000

6.3.6 Date Time

Item

Description

Default

Date

This item is used to set the date. (ex: 2013-05-30)

N/A

Time

This item is used to set the time. (ex: 19:20:02)

N/A

Main Menu Setup Bluetooth

Local Name

PIN Code

Main Menu Setup Date Time

Date

Time

- 49 -

6.3.7 Display

Item

Description

Default

Contrast

This item is used to set the contrast for display.

50

Backlight

This item is used to set the backlight time for display.

10 Seconds

Main Menu Setup Display

Contrast

Backlight

Always On
Always Off

5 Seconds
10 Second
30 Second

1 Minute

5 Minutes
10 Minutes
30 Minutes

1 Hour

5 Hours

- 50 -

6.4 File Manager

This feature is used to check the printer available memory and file list.

Item

Description

DRAM

Use this menu to show available memory space and run (.BAS)
the files saved in the printer DRAM memory.

FLASH

Use this menu to show available memory space and run (.BAS)
the files saved in the printer Flash memory.

CARD

Use this menu to show available memory space and run (.BAS)
the files saved in the printer MicroSD card memory.

Main Menu File Manager

DRAM

(Available memory)

Saved file list

FLASH

(Available memory)

Saved file list

CARD

(Available memory

Saved file list

- 51 -

6.5 Diagnostics

6.5.1 Print Config.

This feature is used to print current printer configuration to the label. On the configuration

printout, there is a print head test pattern, which is useful for checking if there is any dot
damage on the print head heater element. Please refer to section 4.3 for more details.

6.5.2 Dump Mode

Captures the data from the communications port and prints out the data received by printer. In
the dump mode, all characters will be printed in 2 columns. (Please refer to section 4.4) The left
side characters are received from your system and right side data are the corresponding
hexadecimal value of the characters. It allows users or engineers to verify and debug the
program.

Note:
Dump mode requires 4” wide paper width.

Main Menu

Diagnostics

Print Config. Dump Mode Battery Print Head

Main Menu Diagnostics Print Config.

Main Menu Diagnostics Dump Mode

- 52 -

6.5.3 Battery

This feature is used to check the printer battery voltage.

6.5.4 Print Head

This feature is used to check the printer temperature, resistance, and bad dots for print head.

Main Menu Diagnostics Battery

Main Menu Diagnostics Print Head

- 53 -

6.6 Language

This option is used to setup the language on LCD display.

6.7 Service

This feature is used to restore printer settings to defaults. Please refer to section 4.5.

Note:
When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap or black mark sensor before
printing.

Main Menu Language English

Main Menu Service Initialization

- 54 -

7. Troubleshooting

The following guide lists the most common problems that may be encountered when operating this
bar code printer. If the printer still does not function after all suggested solutions have been
invoked, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor
for assistance.

Problem

Possible Cause

Recovery Procedure

Power indicator does not
illuminate

* The battery is not properly

installed.
* Battery out of power.
* The battery is dead.

* Reinstall the battery.
* Switch the printer on.
* Charge the battery.
* Replace a new battery.

Not Printing

* Check if interface cable is well

connected to the interface

connector.
* Check if wireless or Bluetooth

device is well connected

between host and printer.
* The port specified in the

Windows driver is not correct.

* Re-connect cable to interface.
* Please reset the wireless device

setting.
* Select the correct printer port in the

driver.

No print on the label

* Label loaded not correctly.
* Use wrong type paper

* Follow the instructions in loading the

media.
* Use thermal type paper

The printer status from
DiagTool or LCD shows “Head
Open”.

* The printer carriage is open.

* Please close the print carriage.

The printer status from
DiagTool or LCD shows “Out
of Paper”..

* Running out of media roll.
* The media is installed

incorrectly.
* Media sensor is not calibrated.

* Supply a new media roll.
* Follow the instructions in loading the

media to reinstall the media roll.

* Calibrate the media sensor.

The printer status from
DiagTool or LCD shows “Paper
Jam”.

* Media sensor is not set properly.
* Make sure media size is set

properly.
* Label may be stuck inside the

printer mechanism.

* Calibrate the media sensor.
* Set media size correctly.
* Remove the stuck label inside the

printer mechanism.

The printer status from LCD
shows "Strong light. Press
FEED to print."

* Peel-off sensor can’t work in

strong light place.

* Remove the printer to proper place to

print for peer-off mode.

Can’t downloading the file to
memory (FLASH /
DRAM/CARD)

* The space of memory is full.

* Delete unused files in the memory.
* The max. numbers of DRAM is 256

files.
* The max. user addressable memory

space of DRAM is 2048KB.
* The max. numbers of file of FLASH is

256 files.
* The max. user addressable memory

space of FLASH is 14336KB.

- 55 -

Poor Print Quality

* Media is loaded incorrectly
* Dust or adhesive accumulation

on the print head.
* Print density is not set properly.
* Print speed is not set properly.
* Print head element is damaged.

* Reload the supply.
* Clean the print head.
* Clean the platen roller.
* Adjust the print density and print

speed.
* Run printer self-test and check the

print head test pattern if there is dot

missing in the pattern.
* Change proper media roll.

Missing printing on the left or

right side of label

* Wrong label size setup.

* Set the correct label size.

Gray line on the blank label

* The print head is dirty.
* The platen roller is dirty.

* Clean the print head.
* Clean the platen roller.
Please refer to section 8

Irregular printing

* The printer is in Hex Dump

mode.

* Turn off and on the printer to skip the

dump mode.

- 56 -

8. Maintenance

This session presents the clean tools and methods to maintain your printer.

1. Please use one of following material to clean the printer.

 Cotton swab
 Lint-free cloth
 Vacuum / Blower brush
 100% Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol

2. The cleaning process is described as following,

Printer Part

Method

Interval

Print Head

1. Always turn off the printer before

cleaning the print head.

2. Allow the print head to cool for a

minimum of one minute.

3. Use a cotton swab and 100% Ethanol

or Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the print
head surface.

Clean the print head when changing
a new label roll.

Platen Roller

1. Turn the power off.

2. Rotate the platen roller and wipe it

thoroughly with water.

Clean the platen roller when
changing a new label roll

Peel Bar

Use the lint-free cloth with 100% ethanol
to wipe it.

As needed

Sensor

Compressed air or vacuum

Monthly

Exterior

Wipe it with water-dampened cloth

As needed

Interior

Brush or vacuum

As needed

Note:

 Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol to clean it.
 Please use 100% Ethenol or Isopropyl Alcohol. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage

the printer head.

 Regularly clean the print head and supply sensors once change a new media to keep printer

performance and extend printer life.

- 57 -

Revise History

Date

Content

Editor

2013/10/4

Modify section 2.3.2

Camille

2013/10/31

Modify section 1.3 and 3.2

Camille

Corporate Headquarters Li Ze Plant

9F., No.95, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist., No.35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Township,

New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yilan County 26841, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL: [phone] TEL: [phone]

FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Web site: www.tscprinters.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.