TSC TDM-20 User Manual

USER’S

MANUAL

TDM-20

Direct Thermal Portable Printer

i

Copyright Information

© 2019 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.,
Ltd,

ii

Agency Compliance and Approvals

2014/30/EU(EMC), 2014/35/EU(LVD), 2011/65/EU(RoHS 2.0)
EN 55032 Class B
EN 55024
EN61000-3-2:2014
EN61000-3-3:2013
EN 60950-1

FCC part 15B, Class B

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.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme

NMB-003 du Canada.

AS/NZS CISPR 22 Class B
AS/NZS CISPR 32 Class B

NOM-019-SCFI-1998

10 C.F.R. Section 430.23(aa) (Appendix Y to Subpart B of part 430)

TP TC 004/2011
TP TC 020/2011

LP0002

iii

GB 4943.1
GB/T9254
GB 17625.1

IS 13252(Part 1)/
IEC 60950-1

CNS 13438
CNS 14336-1
CNS 15663

KN 32 / KN 35

Important safety instructions:

1. Read all of these instructions and keep them for later use.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions on the product.

3. Disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet before cleaning or if fault happened.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Using a damp cloth is suitable for cleaning.

4. The mains socket shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible.

5. The unit must be protected against moisture.

6. Ensure the stability when installing the device, Tipping or dropping could cause
damage.

7. Make sure to follow the correct power rating and power type indicated on marking
label provided by manufacture.

8. Please refer to user manual for maximum operation ambient temperature.

重要安全說明：

1. 閱讀所有這些說明，並保留以備未來使用。

2. 按照產品上的所有警告和說明進行操作。

3. 在清潔前或發生故障時，拔除電源插頭與交流電源插座的連接。

不要使用液體或噴霧清潔劑。建議使用濕布清潔。

4. 電源插座應安裝在設備附近及方便使用處。

5. 本機器必須防止潮濕。

6. 確保安裝設備時的穩定性，翻倒或跌落可能會導致設備損壞。

7. 確保按照製造商提供的標籤上標明之正確的額定功率和電源類型進行設定。

8. 請參考使用手冊以確認環境溫度的最大值。

WARNING:

Hazardous moving parts, keep fingers and other body parts away.

iv

CAUTION:

(For equipment with RTC (CR2032) battery or rechargeable battery pack)
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Dispose of used batteries according to the Instructions as below.

1. DO NOT throw the battery in fire.

2. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.

3. DO NOT disassemble the battery.

4. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.

5. The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be
placed in municipal waste.

警告：

（對於帶有 RTC（CR2032）電池或可充電電池組的設備）

如果更換不正確的電池類型，會有爆炸的危險。

請按照以下說明處理廢電池：

1. 請勿將電池投入火中。

2. 請勿使觸點短路。

3. 請勿拆卸電池。

4. 請勿將電池丟入都市廢棄物。

5. 垃圾桶畫叉圖案表示電池不應放置在都市廢棄物中。

Caution: The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the

printhead to cool.

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

could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

CE Statement:

This equipment complies with EU radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator & your body.

RF exposure warning (For Bluetooth)
The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment.

v

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 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 de l'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 sans fil est inférieure à la limite

d'exposition aux fréquences radio de l'Industry Canada (IC). Utilisez l’appareil sans fil

de façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors du fonctionnement normal.

Ce périphérique a également été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites
d'exposition radio-fréquence par l'IC pour des utilisations par des opérateurs mobiles
(les antennes sont à moins de 20 cm du corps d'une personne). (Pour le Bluetooth)

vi

NCC 警語:

經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻

率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法第十二
條)

低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立

即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。

前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或

工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法
第十四條)

警告：

本電池如果更換不正確會有爆炸的危險，請依製造商說明書處理用過之電池。

vii

單元Unit

限用物質及其化學符號

Restricted substances and its chemical symbols

鉛Lead

(Pb)

汞Mercury

(Hg)

鎘Cadmium

(Cd)

六價鉻

Hexavalent

chromium

(Cr+6)

多溴聯苯

Polybrominate

d biphenyls

(PBB)

多溴二苯醚

Polybrominate

d diphenyl

ethers (PBDE)

內外塑膠件

○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

內外鐵件

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

滾輪

○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

銘版

○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

電路板

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

晶片電阻

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

積層陶瓷表面

黏著電容

○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

集成電路-IC

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

電源供應器

○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○

印字頭

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

馬達

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

液晶顯示器

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

插座

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

線材

- ○ ○ ○ ○

○

備考 1.〝超出 0.1 wt %〞及〝超出 0.01 wt %〞係指限用物質之百分比含量超出百分比含量基準值。

Note 1：“Exceeding 0.1 wt %” and “exceeding 0.01 wt %” indicate that the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeds the
reference percentage value of presence condition.

備考 2.〝○〞係指該項限用物質之百分比含量未超出百分比含量基準值。

Note 2：“○” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance does not exceed the percentage of reference value of presence.

備考 3.〝－〞係指該項限用物質為排除項目。

Note 3：The “−” indicates that the restricted substance corresponds to the exemption.

viii

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 .................................................................................... 4

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 Interior View ....................................................................................... 9

2.2.3 Rear View ......................................................................................... 10

2.3 Operator control ............................................................................................ 11

2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys ................................................................. 11

2.3.2 Battery Charging Cycle.................................................................... 13

3. Setup ............................................................................................................... 15

3.1 Install the Battery ........................................................................................... 15

3.2 Charge the Battery ......................................................................................... 16

3.2.1 Charge the Battery ........................................................................... 16

3.2.2 Charge by 4-bay Battery Charger Station (Optional) ...................... 17

3.3 Communicate ................................................................................................. 18

3.3.1 Connecting with the Communication Cable ................................... 18

3.3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth (Optional) ............................................. 18

3.4 Loading the Media ......................................................................................... 19

4. Accessories ..................................................................................................... 20

4.1 Install the Belt Clip......................................................................................... 20

4.2 Install the Media spacer kit (Optional) .......................................................... 21

4.3 Install the IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (Optional) ... 23

4.4 Install Shoulder strap kit (Optional) .............................................................. 25

4.5 Install Vehicle holder adapter for RAM mount (Optional) ............................. 26

4.6 Charge by 1-bay Printer Charger Station (Optional) .................................... 28

4.7 Charge by 4-bay Printer Charger Station (Optional) .................................... 30

5. Power-on Utilities................................................................ ............................ 33

ix

5.1 Media Sensor Calibration .............................................................................. 33

5.2 Self-test and Dump Mode .............................................................................. 34

5.3 Printer Initialization ................................................................ ....................... 38

6. Diagnostic Tool ............................................................................................... 39

6.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool .............................................................................. 39

6.2 Printer Function ............................................................................................ 40

6.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool .............................................. 41

6.3.1 Auto Calibration ............................................................................... 41

6.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Printer Management (Optional) .......................................... 42

6.5 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool (Optional) ......................................... 45

7. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 46

7.1 Common Problems ........................................................................................ 46

8. Maintenance .................................................................................................... 48

Revise History ..................................................................................................... 49

x

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 TDM-20
mobile barcode printer. The TDM-20 is a compact, light-weight printer capable of
working with any mobile printing application where you need quick simple
receipts/labels on demand.

The TDM-20 is designed for a rough life, inside the IP54-rated environmental case to
resist dust and water and with its durable design prepared to take up to 2.5 meters fall
and keep printing.

This small and light-weight printer can be worn comfortably for a full shift, without
interfering with the user’s tasks. Use USB, NFC tag, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi a/b/g/n and
BT4.2 coexist module to connect to a mobile computer or even a smartphone and
produce clear easy-to-read receipts hour after hour.

To print the receipt or labels, you can use the enclosed labeling software or TSC printer
language to create the label template. For more information about TSPL2, please refer
to the TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual at TSC website.

− Applications

 Direct store deliveries (DSD)
 Proof of Delivery and Pickup
 Field Sales/Repairs
 Mobile Ticketing
 Table Side Ordering
 Parking Citations
 Onboard Ticketing
 Utility Billing/Meter Reading
 Laboratory

1.2 Product Features

Features Description

Direct thermal printing

Black mark reflective sensor

Head open sensor

3 operation buttons (On/off, feed/pause, and cover-open buttons)

LED version:
 5 LEDs: 1 for printer status; 3 for Battery capacity; 1 for wireless status

Audible alert Programmable buzzer

Rechargeable Li-ion battery

32-bit RISC high performance processor

Micro USB 2.0 (high speed mode) interface

32 MB DRAM

16 MB Flash memory

TSPL-EZD (EPL2, ZPL2, and DPL), Epson® ESC-POS or TSPL-EZ with
CPCL emulation languages support

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

8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts

One Monotype Imaging® CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font

Built-in Monotype True Type Font engine

Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory

Downloadable firmware upgrades

Support TPH Care function

1.2.1 Printer Standard Features

The printer offers the following standard features.

2

Text, bar code, graphics/image printing (Please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2
programming manual for supporting code page)

Supported bar code

Supported Image Format

1D bar code

2D bar code

Windows .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
add-on, 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)

Features Description

User

options

Factory

options

802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth V4.2, NFC
tag, and USB 2.0 high-speed interface

○

MFi Bluetooth V5.0 with NFC tag and USB 2.0
high-speed interface

○

Vehicle mount kit

○

Vehicle docking cradle

○

Linerless kit

○

Micro type USB 2.0 cable

○

Rechargeable Li-ion battery

○

4-slot battery charger

○

1-slot docking cradle (use with printer ready for
docking cradle)

○

4-slot docking cradle (use with printer ready for
docking cradle)

○

12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug

○

1.2.2 Printer Optional Features

The printer offers the following optional features.

3

12-60VDC adaptor with cigarette lighter adaptor
cable ○

Media spacer kit (support media roll width for 1,

1.5, and 2 inches)

○

IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder
strap

○

Shoulder strap kit (without environmental case)

○

CD ○

General Specifications

Physical dimensions

79 mm (W) x 36.5 mm (H) x 116 mm (D)

Enclosure

Plastic

Weight (w/ battery)

0.215 kg (0.47 lbs)

Electrical

 Internal charging capability (battery-in)

Input: AC 100-240V, 2.5A, 50-60Hz

Output: DC 12V/ 1A

 12-24V DC automobile cigarette lighter plug
 Auto-switching AC adapter

External charging capability (battery-out)
 Single printer charger station

- Input: 12V/ 1A

- Output: 12V/ 0.9A

 4-bay printers charger station

- Input: 12V/ 5A

- Output:12V/ 0.9A (each bay)

 4 bay batteries charger station

- Input: 24V/ 2.5A DC

- Output: 8.4V/ 1.5A*4 DC

 Battery pack

Capacity: 1,130 mAh

Output: 7.4V
Note: The printer will automatically turn off when stopping
operation after 30 minutes.

Battery

Output

7.4VDC

Capacity

1,130mAh

1.3 General Specifications

4

Charging time

<2.5hrs (by 12V/1A charger)

Environmental
condition

Operation Temperature: -15* ~ 50˚C (5 ~ 122˚F)
Storage Temperature: -30 ~ 70 ˚C (-22 ~ 158˚F)

Relative Humidity:

- Operation: 10% to 90% non-condensing

- Storage: 10% to 90% non-condensing
IP42 w/o protective case
IP54 w/ protective case
Drop 1.8 m (5.9 ft) w/o IP54-rated environmental case
Drop 2.5 m (8.2 ft) w/ IP54-rated environmental case

Print Specifications

TDM-20

Print head resolution

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 (102 mm/sec)

Max. print width

48 mm (1.89")

Max. print length

Continuous receipt paper: 2,794 mm (110”)

Printout bias

Vertical: 1 mm max.

Horizontal: 1 mm max.

Note:

*The operation condition is as below.

4 ips, density 8, printing coverage 12.5%, 2 min. print 1 label with Bluetooth connection. The printer can work for 8.6 hours.

1.4 Print Specifications

5

1.5 Media Specifications

Media Specifications

TDM-20

Media roll capacity

Max. O.D.: 30 mm (1.18”)

Media type

Continuous, black mark, partial label with gap (liner is
transparent and can be detectable by reflective sensor) &
selected liner free label

Media wound type

Outside wound

Media length

25.4 mm (1”) ~ 2,794 mm (110”)

Tear mode: 50 mm (1.97”) ~ max. print length

Media width

Max. 58 mm (includes liner)

Black mark: min.8 mm (w) x 2 mm (h)

Media thickness

0.06 mm (2 mil) ~ 0.10 mm (3.94 mil)

Note: Please locate the black mark on the printing side when using black mark continuous label.

6

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.

 One printer unit
 One Li-ion battery
 One quick installation guide
 One auto-switching AC adapter
 One belt clip

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

7

2.2 Printer Overview

5

3

2

1

6

4

2.2.1 Front View

1. Power on/off button

2. Feed/stop button

3. LED indicators

4. Media cover

5. Media view window

6. Media cover release button

8