TSC TA300, TP-300E, TT045-50, TT045-60, T-4403 User Manual

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USER’S

MANUAL

TA200/ TA300 Series

THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL BAR CODE PRINTER

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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.

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iii

Agency Compliance and Approvals

CE CLASS A EN 55022:2006 +A1:2007 EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003 EN 61000-4 SERIES REQULATIONS

FCC CFR Title 47 Part 15 Subpart B:2009-Section 15.107 and

15.109 ICES-003 Issue 4:2004 Class A

GB-4953-2001 GB9254-2008 (CLASS A) GB27625-2003

此为 A 级产品，在生活环境中，该产品可能会造成无线电干扰，在这种情况下，可能需要用户对干扰采取切实可行的措施。

IEC 60950-1/A1:2009 IEC 60950-1/A1:2005(2nd Edition)

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

1.5 Ribbon Specifications......................................... 4

1.6 Media Specifications .......................................... 5

2. Operations Overview .......................................... 6

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ................................................................................ 6

2.2 Printer Overview ................................................................................................ 7

2.2.1 Front View ............................................................................................... 7

2.2.2 Interior View ............................................................................................ 8

2.2.3 Rear View ................................................................................................ 2

3. Setup ...................................................... 3

3.1 Setting up the Printer ........................................................................................ 3

3.2 Loading the Ribbon ........................................................................................... 4

3.3 Loading the Media ............................................................................................. 8

3.3.1 Loading the Roll Labels ......................................................................... 8

3.3.2 Loading the Media in Peel-off mode (Option) ..................................... 11

3.3.3 Loading the Media in Cutter Mode (Option) ........................................ 13

3.3.4 External Label Roll Mount Installation (Option) .................................. 14

4. LED and Button Functions ..................................... 16

4.1 LED Indicator ................................................................................................... 16

4.2 Regular Button Functions .............................................................................. 16

4.3 Power-on Utilities ............................................................................................ 17

4.3.1 Ribbon and Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration ................................ 17

4.3.2 Gap/Black Mark Calibration, Self-test and Dump Mode ..................... 18

4.3.3 Printer Initialization .............................................................................. 20

4.3.4 Set Black Mark Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the Black Mark

Sensor ............................................................................................................ 21

4.3.5 Set Gap Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the Gap Sensor ...... 21

4.3.6 Skip AUTO.BAS .................................................................................... 22

5. Diagnostic Tool ............................................. 23

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5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool ................................................................................ 23

5.2 Printer Function .............................................................................................. 24

5.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool ...................... 25

5.3.1 Auto Calibration .................................................................................... 25

5.4 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Utility (Option) ..................... 26

5.4.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface ................................ 26

5.4.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface ........................... 27

5.4.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface ......................... 28

6. Troubleshooting ............................................. 30

6.1 Common Problems ................................................................ ......................... 30

7. Maintenance ................................................ 33

Revise History ................................................ 34

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1. Introduction

1.1 Product Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.

The TA200 series printer features two durable gear-driven motors that are capable of handling large capacity 300 meter ribbons and large rolls of media inside its sleek design. If the 5” interior label capacity is not enough, simply add an external media roll mount and the TA200 can easily handle 8.4” OD rolls of labels designed for expensive industrial label printers.

The moveable sensor design can accept wide range of label media. All of the most frequently used bar code formats are included. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions.

The TA200 series printer is built-in the high quality, high performance MONOTYPE IMAGING

True Type font engine and one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed smooth font. With flexible firmware design, user can also download the True Type Font from PC into printer memory for printing labels. Besides the scalable font, it also provides a choice of five different sizes of alphanumeric bitmap font, OCR-A and OCR-B fonts. By integrating rich features, it is the most cost-effective and high performance printer in its class!

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

o Manufacturing & Warehousing

 Work in Progress  Item Labels  Instruction labels  Agency labels

o Healthcare

 Patient Identification  Pharmacy  Specimen Identification

o Parcel Post

 Shipping/ Receiving

Labels

o Small Office/ Home Office o Retail Marking

 Price tags  Shelf labels  Jewelry tags

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1.2 Product Features

1.2.1 Printer Standard Features

The printer offers the following standard features.

Product standard feature

203 dpi models

300 dpi models

Thermal transfer printing

○

Direct thermal printing

○

ABS plastic enclosure

○

Position adjustable gap sensor

○

Position adjustable black mark sensor

○

Ribbon sensor

○

Head open sensor

○

USB 2.0 (full speed) interface

○

8 MB SDRAM memory

○

4 MB FLASH memory

○

One power switch, one feed button and LED

○

Standard industry emulations right out of the box including Eltron® and Zebra® language support

○

Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts

○

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

○

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

○

Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory

○

Downloadable firmware upgrades

○

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

Supported bar code

Supported image

1D bar code

2D bar code

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

Code 39, Code 93, Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A,B,C, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI, PLESSEY, POSTNET, China POST, GS1 DataBar, Code 11

PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec, GS1 DataBar Composite code

○

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1.2.2 Printer Optional Features

The printer offers the following optional features.

Product option feature

User

options

Dealer

options

Factory options

LCD display (graphic type, 128x64 pixel) with back light

○

Internal Ethernet print server (10/100 Mbps) interface

○

Serial RS-232C (2400-115200 bps) interface

○

Centronics interface

○

microSD memory card reader for memory expansion up to 4 GB

○

Real time clock

○

Peel-off module

○

Guillotine cutter module (Full cut and partial cut)

○

External roll mount with 3” core (8.4 OD) label spindle

○

Extended plate for external roll mount

○

Bluetooth module (RS-232C interface)

○

KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit

○

KU-007 Plus programmable smart keyboard display unit

○

HCS-200 long rang CCD scanner

○

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1.3 General Specifications

General Specifications

Physical dimensions

224 mm (W) x 186 mm (H) x 294 mm (D)

Weight

2.45 kg

Electrical

External universal switching power supply Input: AC 100-240V Output: DC 24V 2.5A, 60W

Environmental condition

Operation: 5 ~ 40˚C (41 ~ 104˚F), 25~85% non-condensing Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F), 10~90% non-condensing

1.4 Print Specifications

Print Specifications

203 dpi models

300 dpi models

Print head resolution

203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)

300 dots/inch (12 dots/mm)

Printing method

Thermal transfer and direct thermal

Dot size (width x length)

0.125 x 0.125 mm (1 mm = 8 dots)

0.084 x 0.084 mm

(1 mm = 11.8 dots)

Print speed (inches per second)

2, 3, 4 ips

1.5, 2, 3 ips

Print speed for peel mode & cutter mode

2, 3 ips

Max. print width

104 mm (4.09”)

Max. print length

2,794 mm (110”)

1,016 mm (40”)

1.5 Ribbon Specifications

Ribbon Specifications

Ribbon outside diameter

Max. 67 mm

Ribbon length

300 meter

Ribbon core inside diameter

1 inch (25.4 mm)

Ribbon width Max. 110 mm

Min. 40 mm

Ribbon wound type

Outside wound

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1.6 Media Specifications

Media Specifications

203 dpi models

300 dpi models

Label roll capacity

127 mm (5”) OD

Media type

Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notch

Media wound type

Printing face outside wound & Printing face inside wound

Media width (label + liner)

Max. 118 mm (4.6”)

Min. 25.4 mm (1.0”)

Media thickness (label + liner)

Max. 0.254 mm (10 mil)

Min. 0.06 mm (2.36 mil)

Media core diameter

25.4 mm~38 mm (1”~1.5”)

Label length

10~2,794 mm (0.39”~110”)

10~1,016 mm (0.39”~40”)

Note: If your label length is less than 25.4mm (1”), we recommend you to use the perforation at the gap for easier tear away.

Label length (peeler mode)

Max. 152.4 mm (6”)

Min. 25.4 mm (1”)

Label length (cutter mode)

Max. 2,794 mm (110”)

Max. 1,016 mm (40”)

Min. 25.4 mm (1”)

Gap height

Min. 2 mm (0.09”)

Black mark height

Min. 2 mm (0.09”)

Black mark width

Min. 8 mm (0.31”)

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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 Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk  One quick installation guide  One power cord  One auto switching power supply  One USB interface cable  Two ribbon spindle  One ribbon paper core  One label spindle

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

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2.2 Printer Overview

2.2.1 Front View

1. LED indicator

2. Feed key

3. LCD display (Option)

4. Paper exit chute

5. Top cover open tab

6. Power switch

2 3 4 5

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2.2.2 Interior View

1. Printer top cover

2. Media supply spindle

3. Ribbon rewind hub

4. Print head release button

5. Ribbon rewind spindle

6. Fixing tab

7. Ribbon supply hub

8. Platen roller

9. Black mark sensor

10. Gap sensor

11. Media guide

12. Media bar

13. Ribbon supply spindle

14. Print head

9 5 6

OPEN

12 8 11

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2.2.3 Rear View

1. Power jack socket

2. *microSD card slot (Option)

3. Internal Ethernet interface (Option)

4. RS-232C interface (Option)

5. USB interface (USB 2.0/ Full speed mode)

6. Centronics interface (Option)

7. Rear external label entrance chute

Note: The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product specification for

the interfaces availability.

* Recommended micro SD 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

Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

microSD 1 GB

Transcend, Panasonic

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4

microSD 4 GB

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.

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3. Setup

3.1 Setting up the Printer

1. Place the printer on a flat, secure surface.

2. Make sure the power switch is off.

3. Connect the printer to the computer with the provided USB cable.

4. Plug the power cord into the AC power cord socket at the rear of the printer, and then plug the power cord into a properly grounded power outlet.

Note: * Please switch OFF printer power switch prior to plug in the power cord to printer power jack. * The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product specification for the

interfaces availability.

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3.2 Loading the Ribbon

1. Open the printer top cover by pressing the top cover open tabs located on each side of the printer.

2. Insert the paper core to the ribbon rewind spindle.

3. Insert the left side of ribbon rewind spindle to the ribbon rewind hub first then insert the right side of ribbon rewind spindle to the hole at the right side of ribbon mechanism.

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4. Push the print head release button to

open the print head mechanism.

5. Insert the ribbon to the ribbon

spindle.

6. Insert the left side of ribbon supply

spindle to the ribbon supply hub first then insert the right side of ribbon supply spindle to the hole at the right side of ribbon mechanism.

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7. Pull the leader of the ribbon through the print head and stick the leader of the ribbon onto the ribbon rewind paper core.

8. Turn the ribbon rewind hub until the ribbon plastic leader is thoroughly wound and the black section of the ribbon covers the print head.

9. Close the print head mechanism by both hands and make sure the latches are engaged securely.

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 Ribbon loading path

Print head

Ribbon

Ribbon rewind hub

Paper core

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3.3 Loading the Media

3.3.1 Loading the Roll Labels

1. Open the printer top cover by

pressing the top cover open tabs located on each side of the printer.

2. Insert the paper roll into the media

supply spindle and use two fixing tabs to fix the paper roll onto the center of the spindle. (If your paper width is 4 inch, you can remove the fixing tabs from the supply spindle.)

3. Place the paper roll onto the paper

roll mount.

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4. Push the print head release button

to open the print head mechanism.

5. Feed the paper, printing side face

up, through the media bar, media sensor and place the label leading edge onto the platen roller. Move the media guides to fit the label width.

Note: The media sensor position is moveable. Please make sure the gap or black

mark is at the location where media gap/black mark will pass through for sensing.

Gap sensor

Black mark sensor

Media guide

Gap sensor

Black mark sensor

Platen roller

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6. Close the print head mechanism by

both hands and make sure the latches are engaged securely.

7. Use “Diagnostic Tool” to set the

media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor. (Start the

“Diagnostic tool”  Select the “Printer Configuration” tab  Click the “Calibrate Sensor” button )

Please refer to section 5.3.

Note: Please calibrate the gap/ black mark sensor when changing media.

 Media loading path

Media

Media bar

Media guide

Gap sensor

Platen roller

Black mark sensor

Path for outside wound

Path for inside wound

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3.3.2 Loading the Media in Peel-off mode (Option)

1. Refer to chapter 3.3.1 to install the

label. Use “Diagnostic Tool” to set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor.

2. Pull the label through the front of

the printer and take some labels off only leave the liner.

3. Open the peel-off cover. Feed the

liner into peel-off cover slot.

Liner

Label

Liner

Peel-off cover slot

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4. Close the peel-off module. Use the

DiagTool to set the peel-off mode

by selecting “PEEL” option for

Post-Print Action setting then click “Set” button to enable the peel-off mode.

5. Close the print head mechanism

and printer cover. Printer is ready for peel-off mode.

6. Press the FEED button to test.

Note: Please calibrate the gap/black mark sensor when changing media.

Liner

Label

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3.3.3 Loading the Media in Cutter Mode (Option)

1. Refer to chapter 3.3.1 to install the

label.

2. Lead the media through the cutter

paper opening.

3. Close the print head mechanism

and printer cover. Use the DiagTool to set the printer for cutter mode by

selecting “CUTTER” option for

Post-Print Action setting then click

“Set” button to enable the cutter

mode. Press the FEED button to test.

Note: Please calibrate the gap/black mark sensor when changing media.

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3.3.4 External Label Roll Mount Installation (Option)

1. Use two screws to install the extended plate onto the external label roll mount.

2. Attach the extended plate on the bottom of the printer. (If you purchase the external label roll mount only, just need to put it on the rear of printer for using.)

3. Insert a 3” (or 1”) label spindle into a paper roll. And install it on the external paper roll mount.

External label roll mount

Extended plate

1” label spindle

3” label spindle

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4. Feed the media through the rear external label entrance chute.

5. Refer to chapter 3.3.1 to install the label. Use “Diagnostic Tool” to set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor.

Note: Please calibrate the gap/black mark sensor when changing media.

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4. LED and Button Functions

This printer has one button and one three-color LED indicator. By indicating the LED with different color and pressing the button, printer can feed labels, pause the printing job, select and calibrate the media sensor, print printer self-test report, reset printer to defaults (initialization). Please refer to the button operation below for different functions.

4.1 LED Indicator

LED Color

Description

Green/ Solid

This illuminates that the power is on and the device is ready to use.

Green/ Flash

This illuminates that the system is downloading data from PC to memory or the printer is paused.

Amber

This illuminates that the system is clearing data from printer.

Red / Solid

This illuminates printer head open, cutter error.

Red / Flash

This illuminates a printing error, such as head open, paper empty, paper jam, ribbon empty, or memory error etc.

4.2 Regular Button Functions

1. Feed labels

When the printer is at ready states (Green/ Solid), press the button to feed one label to the beginning of next.

2. Pause the printing job

When the printer is at printing states, press the button to pause a print job. When the printer is paused the LED will be green blinking. Press the button again to continue the printing job.

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4.3 Power-on Utilities

There are six 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 color of LED.

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

1. Turn off the printer power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

3. Release the button when LED indicates with different color for different functions.

Power on utilities

The LED color will be changed as following pattern:

LED color Functions

Amber

Red

(5 blinks)

Amber

(5 blinks)

Green

(5 blinks)

Green/Amber

(5 blinks)

Red/Amber

(5 blinks)

Solid green

1. Ribbon sensor calibration and gap / black mark sensor calibration

Release

2. Gap / black mark sensor calibration, Self-test and enter dump mode

Release

3. Printer initialization

Release

4. Set black mark sensor as media sensor and calibrate the black mark sensor

Release

5. Set gap sensor as media sensor and calibrate the gap sensor

Release

6. Skip AUTO.BAS

Release

4.3.1 Ribbon and Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration

Gap/black mark sensor sensitivity should be calibrated at the following conditions:

1. A brand new printer

2. Change label stock

3. Printer initialization

Please follow the steps below to calibrate the ribbon and gap/black mark sensor.

1. Turn off the power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

3. Release the button when LED becomes red and blinking. (Any red will do during the 5 blinks).

 It will calibrate the ribbon sensor and gap/black mark sensor sensitivity.

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 The LED color will be changed as following order：

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks)  red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

Note: Please select gap or black mark sensor by sending GAP or BLINE command to printer prior to calibrate the sensor. For more information about GAP and BLINE command, please refer to TSPL2 programming manual.

4.3.2 Gap/Black Mark Calibration, Self-test and Dump Mode

While calibrate the gap/black mark sensor, printer will measure the label length, print the internal configuration (self-test) on label and then enter the dump mode. To calibrate gap or

black mark sensor, depends on the sensor setting in the last print job. Please follow the steps below to calibrate the sensor.

1. Turn off the power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

3. Release the button when LED becomes amber and blinking. (Any amber will do during the 5 blinks)

 The LED color will be changed as following order.

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks)  red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

4. It calibrates the sensor and measures the label length and prints internal settings then enter the dump mode.

Note: Please select gap or black mark sensor by Diagnostic Tool or by GAP or BLINE command prior to calibrate the sensor. For more information about GAP and BLINE command, please refer to TSPL2 programming manual.

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 Self-test

Printer will print the printer configuration after gap/black mark 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.

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) Black mark or gap size (vertical gap, offset) Sensor sensitivity

Ethernet settings information (option)

File management information

Print head test pattern

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 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 to resume printer for normal printing.

4.3.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization is used to clear DRAM and restore printer settings to defaults. The only one exception is ribbon sensitivity, which will note be restored to default. Printer initialization is activated by the following procedures.

1. Turn off the power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

3. Release the button when LED turns green after 5 amber blinks. (Any green will do during the 5 blinks).

 The LED color will be changed as following:

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks)  red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

ASCII Data

Hex decimal data related to left column of ASCII data

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

Parameter

Default setting

Speed

101.6 mm/sec (4 ips) (203DPI) 76 mm/sec (3 ips) (300DPI)

Density

Label Width

4” (101.5 mm)

Label Height

4” (101.5 mm)

Sensor Type

Gap sensor

Gap Setting

0.12” (3.0 mm)

Print Direction

Reference Point

0,0 (upper left corner)

Offset

Tear Mode

Peel off Mode

Off

Cutter Mode

Off

Serial Port Settings

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

Code Page

850

Country Code

001

Clear Flash Memory

IP Address

DHCP

4.3.4 Set Black Mark Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the Black Mark Sensor

Please follow the steps as below.

1. Turn off the power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

3. Release the button when LED turns green/amber after 5 green blinks. (Any green/amber will

do during the 5 blinks).

 The LED color will be changed as following:

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks)  red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

4.3.5 Set Gap Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the Gap Sensor

Please follow the steps as below.

1. Turn off the power switch.

2. Hold on the button then turn on the power switch.

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3. Release the button when LED turns red/amber after 5 green/amber blinks. (Any red/amber

will do during the 5 blinks).

 The LED color will be changed as following:

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks) 

red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

4.3.6 Skip AUTO.BAS

TSPL2 programming language allows user to download an auto execution file to flash memory. Printer will run the AUTO.BAS program immediately when turning on printer power. The AUTO.BAS program can be interrupted without running the program by the power-on utility.

Please follow the procedures below to skip an AUTO.BAS program.

1. Turn off printer power.

2. Press the FEED button and then turn on power.

3. Release the FEED button when LED becomes solid green.

 The LED color will be changed as following:

Amber  red (5 blinks)  amber (5 blinks)  green (5 blinks)  green/amber (5 blinks) 

red/amber (5 blinks)  solid green

4. Printer will be interrupted to run the AUTO.BAS program.

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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 settings 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

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5.2 Printer Function

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

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.

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

3. 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

Print Test Page

Print a test page

Reset Printer

Reboot printer

Factory Default

Initialize the printer and restore the settings to factory default. (Please refer section 4.3.3)

Dump Text

To activate the printer dump mode.

Ignore AUTO.BAS

Ignore the downloaded AUTO.BAS program

Configuration Page

Print printer configuration (Please refer section

4.3.2)

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.

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5.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool

5.3.1 Auto Calibration

1. Make sure the media is install ready and print head mechanism is closed. (Please refer to section 3.3.)

Note: The media sensor position is moveable. Please make sure the gap (▽) or black

mark is at the location where media gap/black mark will pass through for sensing.

Gap sensor

Black mark sensor

2. Turn on the printer power switch.

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

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. Click the “Calibrate Sensor” button.

5. Select the media type and click the “Calibrate” button.

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5.4 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Utility (Option)

The Diagnostic Utility is enclosed in the CD disk \Utilities directory. Users can use Diagnostic Tool to setup the Ethernet by RS-232, USB and Ethernet interfaces. The following contents will instruct users how to configure the Ethernet by these three interfaces.

5.4.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface

1. Connect the USB cable between the computer and the printer.

2. Turn on the printer power.

3. Start the Diagnostic Utility by double clicking on the icon.

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

5. Click on the “Ethernet Setup” button from “Printer Function” group in Printer Configuration tab to setup the IP address, subnet mask and gateway for the on board Ethernet.

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5.4.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface

1. Connect the computer and the printer with a RS-232 cable.

2. Turn on the printer power.

3. Start the Diagnostic Utility by double clicks on the icon.

4. Select “COM” as interface then click on the “Setup” button to setup the serial port baud rate, parity check, data bits, stop bit and flow control parameters.

5. Click on the “Ethernet Setup” button from printer function of Printer Configuration tab to setup the IP address, subnet mask and the gateway for the on board Ethernet.

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5.4.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface

1. Connect the computer and the printer to the LAN.

2. Turn on the printer power.

3. Start the Diagnostic Utility by double clicks on the icon.

4. Select “Ethernet” as the interface then click on the “Setup” button to setup the IP address, subnet mask and gateway for the on board Ethernet.

5. Click the “Discover Device” button to explore the printers that exist on the network.

6. Select the printer in the left side of listed printers, the correspondent IP address will be shown in the right side “IP address/Printer Name” field.

7. Click “Change IP Address” to configure the IP address obtained by DHCP or static.

The default IP address is obtained by DHCP. To change the setting to static IP address, click “Static IP” radio button then enter the IP address, subnet mask and gateway. Click “Set IP” to take effect the settings.

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Users can also change the “Printer Name” by another model name in this fields then click “Set Printer Name” to take effect this change.

Note: After clicking the “Set Printer Name” or “Set IP” button, printer will reset to take

effect the settings.

8. Click “Exit” button to exit the Ethernet interface setup and go back to Diagnostic Tool main screen.

Factory Default button This function will reset the IP, subnet mask, gateway parameters obtained by DHCP and reset the printer name.

Web setup button Except to use the Diagnostic Utility to setup the printer, you can also explore and configure the printer settings and status or update the firmware with the IE or Firefox web browser. This feature provides a user friendly setup interface and the capability to manage the printer remotely over a network.

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6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Common Problems

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 power cord is not

properly connected.

* Plug the power cord in printer and outlet. * Switch the printer on.

- The printer status from DiagTool shows “Head Open”.

- The LCD shows “Carriage Open”.

* The printer carriage is open.

* Please close the print carriage.

- The printer status from DiagTool shows “Ribbon End

Err.” Or “Ribbon Encoder Err.”

- The LCD shows “No Ribbon”.

* Running out of ribbon. * The ribbon is installed

incorrectly.

* Supply a new ribbon roll. * Please refer to the steps on section 3.2 to

re-install the ribbon.

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

- The LCD shows “No Paper”.

* Running out of label. * The label is installed

incorrectly.

* Gap/black mark sensor is not

calibrated.

* Supply a new label roll. * Please refer to the steps on section 3.3 to

reinstall the label roll.

* Calibrate the gap/black mark sensor.

- The printer status from DiagTool shows “Paper Jam”.

- The LCD shows “Paper Jam”.

* Gap/black mark sensor is not

set properly.

* Make sure label size is set

properly.

* Labels may be stuck inside

the printer mechanism.

* Calibrate the gap/black mark sensor. * Set label size correctly.

- The LCD shows “Take Label”.

* Peel-off function is enabled.

* If the peel-off module is installed, please

remove the label.

* If there is no peel-off module in front of the

printer, please switch off the printer and install it.

* Check if the connector is plugging

correctly.

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Not Printing

* Cable is not well connected to

serial or USB interface or parallel port.

* The serial port cable pin

configuration is not pin to pin connected.

* Re-connect cable to interface. * If using serial cable,

- Please replace the cable with pin to pin

connected.

- Check the baud rate setting. The default

baud rate setting of printer is 9600,n,8,1.

* If using the Ethernet cable,

- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector

green LED is lit on.

- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector

amber LED is blinking.

- Check if the printer gets the IP address

when using DHCP mode.

- Check if the IP address is correct when

using the static IP address.

- Wait a few seconds let the printer get the

communication with the server then

check the IP address setting again. * Chang a new cable. * Ribbon and media are not compatible. * Verify the ribbon-inked side. * Reload the ribbon again. * Clean the print head. * The print density setting is incorrect. * Print head’s harness connector is not well

connected with printheat. Turn off the printer and plug the connector again.

* Check your program if there is a command

PRINT at the end of the file and there must have CRLF at the end of each command line.

Memory full

( FLASH / DRAM )

* The space of FLASH/DRAM

is full.

* Delete unused files in the FLASH/DRAM. * The max. numbers of DRAM is 256 files. * The max. user addressable memory space

of DRAM is 256KB.

* The max. numbers of file of FLASH is 256

files.

* The max. user addressable memory space

of FLASH is 2560KB.

microSD card is unable to

use

* microSD card is damaged. * microSD card doesn’t insert

correctly.

* Use the non-approved

microSD card manufacturer.

* Use the supported capacity microSD card. * Insert the microSD card again. * The supported microSD card spec and the

approved microSD card manufacturers, please refer to section 2.2.3.

Poor Print Quality

* Ribbon and media is loaded

incorrectly

* Dust or adhesive

accumulation on the print head.

* Print density is not set

properly.

* Printhead element is

damaged.

* Ribbon and media are

incompatible.

* The printhead pressure is not

set properly.

* 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 ribbon or proper label

media.

* The print head mechanism does not latch

the print head properly.

Cutter is not working

* The connector is loose. * Cutter jam. * Cutter PCB is damaged.

* Plug in the connect cable correctly. * Remove the label. * Make sure the thickness of label is less

than 0.19 mm.

* Replace a cutter driver IC board.

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Skip labels when printing

* Label size is not specified

properly.

* Sensor sensitivity is not set

properly.

* The media sensor is covered

with dust.

* Check if label size is setup correctly. * Calibrate the sensor by Auto Gap or

Manual Gap options.

* Clear the GAP/Black mark sensor by

blower.

The printing position of small

label is incorrect

* Media sensor sensitivity is not

set properly. * Label size is incorrect. * The parameter Shift Y in the

LCD menu is incorrect. * The vertical offset setting in

the driver is incorrect.

* Calibrate the sensor sensitivity again. * Set the correct label size and gap size. * If using the software BarTender, please set

the vertical offset in the driver.

Missing printing on the left or

right side of label

* Wrong label size setup.

* Set the correct label size.

RTC time is incorrect when

reboot the printer

* The battery has run down.

* Check if there is a battery on the main

board.

Wrinkle problem

* Ribbon installation is

incorrect. * Media installation is incorrect. * Print density is incorrect. * Media feeding is incorrect.

* Please set the suitable density to have

good print quality. * Make sure the label guide touch the edge

of the media guide.

Gray line on the blank label

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

* Clean the print head. * Clean the platen roller.

Irregular printing

* The printer is in Hex Dump

mode. * The RS-232 setting is

incorrect.

* Turn off and on the printer to skip the

dump mode. * Re-set the Rs-232 setting.

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7. 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

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 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 100% ethanol and a cotton swab, or lint-free cloth.

Clean the platen roller when changing a new label roll

Tear Bar/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. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage the printer head.  Regularly clean the print head and supply sensors once change a new ribbon to keep printer

performance and extend printer life.

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Revise History

Date

Content

Editor

2012/4/2

Update section 1.6

Camille

2012/5/8

Modify ribbon and media loading path drawings (Add the media path for inside wound type)

Camille

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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: +886-2-2218-6789 TEL: +886-3-990-6677 FAX: +886-2-2218-5678 FAX: +886-3-990-5577 Web site: www.tscprinters.com E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.