TSC TTP-243 Pro Series, TTP-243E Plus Series, TTP-243E Pro Series, TTP-342 Pro Series, TTP-243 Plus Series User Manual

TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro Series
TTP-243 Plus/ 243E Plus/ 342 Plus Series

USER’S

MANUAL

THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL BAR

CODE PRINTER

i

CONTENTS

1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 2

1.1 Compliances ..................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Effective Print Area ........................................................................................... 3

1.3 Available Bar Codes ......................................................................................... 3

1.4 Various Sensors ............................................................................................... 4

1.5 Supply Specifications ....................................................................................... 6

1.5.1 Types of Paper .......................................................................................... 6

1.5.2 Specifications ............................................................................................ 6

1.5.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes ......................................................................... 8

2. GETTING STARTED ...................................................................... 9

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................ 9

2.2 Equipment Checklist ..................................................................................... 9

2.3 Printer Parts ............................................................................................... 10

2.4 External Label Roll Mount (Option for 243E series printer) ........................ 13

2.5 Buttons and Indicators................................................................................ 14

3. SET UP ........................................................................................ 15

3.1 Setting up the Printer .................................................................................. 15

3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock ..................................................................... 16

3.3 Peel-off Function (Not available for 243E series printer) ............................ 19

3.4 Ribbon Loading Instructions ....................................................................... 22

3.5 Install External Label Roll Mount (Not available for 243E series printer) .... 26

3.6 Install Memory Module (Option) ................................................................. 27

3.7 Self Test ..................................................................................................... 29

3.8 Dump Mode ................................................................................................ 30

4. USING TTP-243 SERIES/243E SERIES/342 SERIES ................. 31

4.1 Power-on Utilities ....................................................................................... 31

4.1.1 Self Test Utility ........................................................................................ 31

4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility ................................................................. 31

4.1.3 Printer Initialization ................................................................................. 32

4.2 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 33

Update History ...................................................................................................... 35

2

1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Thank you very much for purchasing TSC TTP-243 series/ 243E series/ 342
series bar code printer. The attractive desktop printer delivers superior
performance at an economical price. Both powerful and easy-to-use, this printer
is your best choice among desktop direct thermal and thermal transfer label
printers.

Printer offers both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at selectable
speeds of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 inches per second for TTP-243 series/ 243E series
and 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 inch per second for TTP-342 series. It can accept a wide
range of media, including roll feed, die-cut, and fan-fold labels or tags for both
thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. All of the most frequently used bar
code formats are available. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of
four directions. This printer provides a choice of five different sizes of
alphanumeric fonts. By using font multiplication, an even greater range of sizes
is possible. Smooth fonts can be downloaded from the user-friendly Windows
labeling design software. In addition, This printer is capable of independently
executing BASIC programming functions, including arithmetic, logical operation,
loop, flow-control and file management, among others. This programming
capability provides the greatest efficiency in label printing.

TSC reserves the right to make changes in the product, the programs, and their
availability at any time and without notice.

1.1 Compliances

CE Class A, FCC Class A, C-Tick Class A, TÜ V/Safety, CCC

WARNING

1. HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS IN CUTTER MODULE. KEEP FINGER AND OTHER
BODY PARTS AWAY.

2. THE MAIN BOARD INCLUDES REAL TIME CLOCK FEATURE HAS LITHIUM
BATTERY CR2032 INSTALLED. RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED
BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.

3. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

A급기기

(업무용 정보통신기기)

이 기기는 업무용으로 전자파 적합등록을 한 기기이오니, 판매자 또는 사용자는 이 점을

주위하시기 바라며, 만약 잘못 판매 또는 구입하였을 때에는 가정용으로 교환하시기 바랍니다.

3

1.2 Effective Print Area

203 DPI

300 DPI

Label/Ticket Print Length

12 mm~2286 mm

12 mm~1016 mm

Effective Print Length

10 mm~2284 mm

10 mm~1014 mm

Label/Ticket Print Width

25 mm~104 mm

Effective Print Width

23 mm~102 mm

No Print Area

1 mm

1.3 Available Bar Codes

1D bar code
Code 39
Code 93
Code 128 UCC
Code 128, Subsets A, B, and C
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5
EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128
UPC-A, UPC-E
EAN and UPC with 2 or 5 digits add-on
MSI
PLESSEY
Postnet
China post
2D bar code
Maxicode
PDF-417
DataMatrix
QR code
GS1 DataBar family (RSS)

4

1.4 Various Sensors

Feed Gap Sensor

The feed gap sensor detects a label gap to locate the starting print position of the next
label. The sensor is mounted 4 mm off the center line of the main mechanism.

.
In case of Label

Black Mark Sensor

The black mark sensor locates the position of label by emitting infrared rays onto
the black mark at the back of the ticket. The sensor is mounted 5.75 mm off the
center line of the ticket roll width on the mechanism.

In case of Ticket

The default sensor position is (1) as shown on the figure below. To change to the
(2) position, the customer should notify the manufacturer in advance. There can
be only one position for the sensor. Once the sensor position is agreed upon, it
can not be changed afterwards.

5

Ribbon End Sensor

The sensor detects the end portion of the ribbon. The ribbon end must be transparent.

Label End Sensor

The sensor detects the end portion of the label.

Peel off Sensor

The sensor detects the backing paper of a label.

Ribbon encoder

The encoder is used to detect if the ribbon is broken.

6

1.5 Supply Specifications

1.5.1 Types of Paper

Two types of media are available: label and ticket.
There are two types of sensors for paper: gap sensor and black mark sensor.
Label and ticket can be further classified into direct thermal type or thermal

transfer type.

1.5.2 Specifications

Items

Label

Paper Width
Max.114mm

Min. 25mm

Length (Pitch)

12～2286mm

Paper
Thickness

0.20 mm

Paper Weight

Max 240 g/m2

Max. Roll
Diameter

(1” core)

Inner roll diameter. Max 4.3” (110mm)

External roll diameter. Max 8.4”

(214mm)

Roll Up Method

Print surface wound outside as
standard

Paper Core ID.

25.7±0.3mm

Note:

(1) The width and thickness quoted above are said of the label plus its backing paper.
(2) Likewise, the approval of label entails that of its backing paper.
(3) In the peel off mode, the minimum pitch is 35mm.
(4) In the cutter mode, it is required the paper be wound outside. Otherwise, paper jam tends

to result.

(5) In the cutter mode, the paper thickness is 0.2 mm at maximum, and the paper weight is

100 g/m2 at maximum.
(6) Paper shape is as shown on next page.
(7) Tag is 0.2mm in thickness, and is less than 100g/m2 in weight.

7

8

1.5.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes

Item

Specifications

Ribbon shape

Spool type

Ribbon width
Max. 110mm

Min. 40mm

Ribbon winding width
Max. 110mm

Min. 40mm

Leading tape

Polyester film, 3355mm long

End tape

Polyester film (transparent), 2505mm
long

Max. ribbon OD.

67mm

Winding method

Ink surface to be wound outside

Note: The maximum length of ribbon depends on its thickness and core outside diameter.

The formula below defines the correlation between ribbon roll length and ribbon core
diameter.

t4

)d(D

= L

22





, where

L = Ribbon length
D = Max. roll diameter
d = Ribbon core outside diameter
t = Ribbon thickness

9

2. GETTING STARTED

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

The printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage in the shipping
process. However, for fear that unexpected damage might occur, upon receiving
the bar code printer, carefully inspect the package and the device. In case of
evident damage, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of
the damage. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship
the printer.

2.2 Equipment Checklist

 One bar code printer unit
 One paper core for ribbon rewind spindle
 Two ribbon supply/rewind spindles
 One flat label supply roll spindle
 Two fixing tabs
 One round label supply roll spindle (Not available for 243E series printer)
 One Quick installation guide
 One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
 One power supply
 One power cord
 One USB interface cable (Pro series printer only)
 One Centronics interface cable (TTP-243 Plus & TTP-342 Plus series printer only)
 One sample roll of plain label stock (Not available for 243E series printer)
 One sample roll of wax-resin ribbon (Not available for 243E series printer)
 One external label roll mount (Not available for 243E series printer)

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

10

2.3 Printer Parts

* Top front view

1. Cover Release Button

2. PWR., ON-LINE and ERR. Indicators

3. PAUSE Button

4. FEED Button

5. Label Dispense Opening

6. Liner Opening (For use with peel-off function/ Not available for 243E series
printer)

3

4 2 1

5

6

11

* Interior view

1. Printer Cover (In open position)

2. Label Supply Roll Spindle

3. Fixing Tabs

4. Ribbon Mechanism

5. Ribbon Supply Spindle

6. Ribbon Rewind Spindle

7. Printer Carriage Release Lever

8. Liner Opening

9. Detachable Front Panel

10. PAUSE Button

11. PWR., ON-LINE, ERR. Indicators

12. FEED Button

13. Peel-off Sensor (Not available for 243E series printer)

14. Memory Card Cover

12

* Rear view

TTP-243 Plus/ 243E Plus/ 342 Plus series

1. Power On/Off Switch

2. Power Supply Connector

3. RS-232C DB-9 Interface Connector

4. Centronics Interface Connector

5. Label Insert Opening (For use with external labels)

TTP-243 Pro/243E Pro/ 342 Pro series

1. Power On/Off Switch

2. Power Supply DC Jacket

3. RS-232C Interface Connector

4. USB Interface Connector

5. Label Insert Opening (For use with external media)

6. Centronics Interface Connector (Factory option)

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

1

2

3 4 5

6

13

2.4 External Label Roll Mount (Option for 243E series
printer)

External label roll mount

14

2.5 Buttons and Indicators

PWR. (POWER) Indicator

The green PWR. indicator illuminates when the POWER switch is turned on.

ON-LINE Indicator

The green ON-LINE indicator illuminates when the printer is ready to print. When
PAUSE button is pressed, the ON-LINE indicator flashes.

ERR. Indicator (Error/Paper Empty)

The red ERR. indicator illuminates in the event of a printer error, such as
memory error, syntax error, and so forth. For a full list of error messages, please
refer to section 4.2, Troubleshooting Guides.

PAUSE Button

The PAUSE button allows the user to stop a print job and then continue the
printing with a second depression of the button. By pressing the PAUSE button:
(1) the printer stops printing after the printing label, (2) the PAUSE LED flashes,
and (3) the printer will hold all data in memory. This allows for trouble-free
replacement of label stock and thermal transfer ribbon. A second depression of
the PAUSE button will restart the printer.

Note: If the PAUSE button is held down for more than 3 seconds, the
printer will be reset and all data of the previous printing job will be lost.

FEED Button

Press the FEED button to feed the label to the beginning of the next label.

15

3. SET UP

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 mainframe with the provided RS-232C or
Centronics cable.

4. Plug the power cord into the power supply connector at the rear of the printer,

and then plug the power cord into a properly grounded receptable.

Note: Please switch OFF printer power switch prior to plug in the power

cord to printer power jack.

16

3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock

1. Open the printer cover.

2. Disengage the printer carriage by pulling the printer carriage release lever on
the left side of the platen.

3. Slide the label supply roll spindle through the core of a label roll and attach the
fixing tabs onto the spindle.

4. Place the label roll into the label roll mount. Feed the label under the carriage
and over the platen.

5. Adjust the label guide to fit the width of the media.

6. Engage the printer carriage.

17

7. Wind the label roll until it becomes adequately taut.

8. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button three or four times until the
green ON-LINE indicator illuminates.

9. When the printer is out of ribbon or media, the ON-LINE LED will not
illuminate and the ERR. LED will flash. Reload the ribbon or media without
turning off the printer power. Press the FEED button three or four times until
the ON-LINE LED illuminates. The printing job will be resumed without data
loss.

Inserting label supply roll into label roll mount

1. Label Supply Roll Spindle

2. Label Roll Mount

3. Label Roll

4. Fixing Tabs

18

Feed labels through adjustable label guide

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Platen

3. Label Media

4. Adjustable Label Guide

19

3.3 Peel-off Function (Not available for 243E series printer)

To employ the peel-off function, load the label stock according to the following
steps.

1. Remove the front panel.

2. Remove the foremost one or two labels from the liner.

3 .Pull the printer carriage release lever to feed the liner between the platen and

the white peel-off roller.

4. Feed the liner through the liner opening in the front panel. Put back the front
panel.

Label

Liner

20

Note:
It is recommended that the print speed be set at 2 inches (1.5 inches for

TTP-342 series) per second when using the peel-off function of the printer.
Peel-off function is not available for TTP-243E series printer.

21

Setting up printer for peel-off function

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Platen

3. Peel-off Roller

4. Liner

Printer ready for peel-off function

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Printer Front Panel

3. Liner Opening

4. Liner

5. Label

22

3.4 Ribbon Loading Instructions

1. Place an empty paper core on the ribbon rewind spindle.

2. Insert the left side first. Mount the ribbon rewind paper core on the front hubs.

3. Please be noted that the bigger hub side with 4 ribs must be installed toward
the right side of ribbon mechanism.

4. Install a ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle. Mount the ribbon supply spindle
on the rear hubs.

5. Insert the left side first. Please be noted that the bigger hub side with 4 ribs
must be installed toward the right side of ribbon mechanism.

23

6. Disengage the printer carriage by pulling the carriage release lever upwards.

7. Following the direction of the  RIBBON label, pull the transparent ribbon
leader to the front from under the ribbon mechanism.

8. Attach the ribbon leader to the empty paper core on the ribbon rewind spindle
(with a tape).

9. Rotate the ribbon rewind spindle until the ribbon overlaps the ribbon leader

and stretches tight.

24

10. Engage the printer carriage.

11. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button until the green ON-LINE

LED illuminates.

Note: Please install ribbon and media and close print head mechanism

prior to turn on power. Printer will determine direct thermal or thermal
transfer mode automatically while turning on printer power.

25

Placement of ribbon supply roll

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Ribbon Supply Spindle

3. Ribbon Rewind Spindle

4. Thermal Transfer Ribbon

Installation of label stock and thermal transfer ribbon

26

3.5 Install External Label Roll Mount (Not available for 243E
series printer)

Installation of external label roll mount

1. External Label Roll Mount

2. Label Supply Roll Spindle

3. External Label Feed Opening

4. Fixing Tabs

27

3.6 Install Memory Module (Option)

1. Power off the printer.

2. Open the memory card cover.

3. Insert the memory module(Plus series) or Plus the SD memory card

module(Pro series) on the main board.

TTP-243 Plus/243E Plus/ 342 Plus series

TTP-243 Pro/243E Pro/ 342 Pro Series

4. Close the memory card cover.

5. Turn on the power.

* Recommended SD card specification.

SD card spec

SD card capacity

Approved SD card manufacturer

V1.0, V1.1

128 MB

SanDisk, Transcend

V1.0, V1.1

256 MB

SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

512 MB

SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

1 GB

SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4

4 GB

28

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6

4 GB

SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic

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

V1.0, V1.1

miniSD 128 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

miniSD 256 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

miniSD 512 MB

Transcend, Panasonic

V1.0, V1.1

miniSD 1 GB

Transcend, Panasonic

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4

miniSD 4 GB

Transcend

V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6

miniSD 4 GB

- 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

- The miniSD/microSD card to SD card slot adapter is required.

29

3.7 Self Test

To initiate the self-test mode, depress the FEED button while turning on the
printer power. The printer will calibrate the label length. If the label gap is not
detected within 10", the printer stops feeding labels and the media is treated as
continuous paper. In self test, a check pattern is used to check the performance
of the thermal print head. Following the check pattern, the printer prints internal
settings as listed below:

When the self-test is completed, the printer enters the dump mode. Please turn
the printer's power off and then on to resume normal printing.

Self-test printout

NOW IN DUMP MODE

Print head check pattern
Model name and F/W version
Printed mileage (meter)
Firmware checksum
Serial port configuration
Code page
Country code
Print speed (inch/sec)
Print darkness
Label size (inch)
Gap distance (inch)
Gap/black mark sensor sensitivity

Numbers of download files
Total & available memory space

30

3.8 Dump Mode

After the self-test, the printer enters the dump mode. In this mode, any
characters sent from the host computer will be printed in two columns, as shown.
The characters received will be shown in the first column, and their
corresponding hexadecimal values, in the second. This is often helpful to users
for the verification of programming commands or debugging of printer programs.
Reset the printer by turning the POWER switch off and on for normal printing.

31

4. USING TTP-243 series/243E series/342 series

4.1 Power-on Utilities

There are three power-on utilities to set up and test printer hardware. These
utilities are activated by pressing the FEED or PAUSE button and turning on the
printer power simultaneously. The utilities are listed as below:

1. Self-test

2. Gap sensor calibration

3. Printer initialization

4.1.1 Self Test Utility

Install the label first. Press the FEED button and then turn on the printer power.
Do not release the FEED button until the printer feeds labels. The printer
performs the following items:

1. Calibrate label pitch

2. Print out thermal print head check pattern

3. Print the internal settings

3. Enter dump mode

Regarding the self-test and dump mode, please refer to section 3.7 "Self Test"
and section 3.8 "Dump Mode" for more information.

4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility

This utility is used to calibrate the sensitivity of gap sensor. Users may have to
calibrate the gap sensor for two reasons:

1. The media is being changed to a new type.

2. Initialize the printer.

Note: The ERR. LED may flash if gap sensor is not calibrated properly.

Please follow the steps below to calibrate gap sensor:

1. Turn off the printer power and install blank labels (without any logo or
character) on printer.

2. Hold down the PAUSE button then turn on printer power.

3. Release PAUSE button when the printer feeds labels. Do not turn off

printer power until the printer stops and two green LEDs light on.

Note: Black mark sensor has fixed sensitivity. It is no need to calibrate the
black mark sensor

32

4.1.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization clears all downloaded files resident in flash memory, and sets
printer parameters to default values.

Parameter

Default Value

Speed

200 dpi: 50.8 mm/sec (2 ips)
300 dpi: 38.1 mm/sec (1.5 ips)

Density

8

Label Width

4"(101.6 mm)

Label Height

4"(101.6 mm)

Sensor Type

Gap sensor

Gap Setting

0.12” (3.0 mm)

Print Direction

0

Reference Point

0,0 (upper left corner)

Offset

0

Tear Mode

On

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

Yes

Please follow the steps below to initialize the printer:

1. Turn off the printer power.

2. Hold down the PAUSE and FEED buttons and turn on the printer power.

3. Do not release the buttons until the three LEDs flash in turn.

Note 1: Printing method (thermal transfer or thermal direct printing) will be

set automatically at the activation of printer power.

Note 2: When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap sensor

again.

Note 3: Download files will be deleted after printer initialization.

33

4.2 Troubleshooting Guide

The following guide lists some of the most common problems that may be
encountered when operating the 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

Solution

Ribbon does not advance or

rewind

1. The media and ribbon must be installed
then engage the print head mechanism
prior to turning on printer power.

2. Install the black ribbon spindle at the correct
direction.

3. Please check the "Media settings method"
in the driver if it is set to direct thermal
mode.

Poor print quality

1. Clean the thermal print head.

2. Adjust the print density setting.

3. Ribbon and media are not compatible.

4. Media thickness is over spec.

5. Check if correct power supply is connected
with printer.

Power indicator on printer does not

illuminate

1. Check the power cord, see whether it is
properly connected.

2. Check if the LED on the power supply is
illuminated. If it is not lit on, then the power
supply is damaged.

3. Check if correct power supply is connected
with printer.

ON-LINE indicator is off, ERR.

indicator is on

1. Out of paper or out of ribbon

If there is one beep sound when printer is error,
then it's gap sensor problem. Please check the
following items.

(1) Calibrate gap sensor or setup the paper

length in labeling software/program
properly.

(2). Install the paper at the correct

If there are two beeps sound when printer is error

34

then it's ribbon sensor problem. Please check the
following items.

(1) Is outside wound ribbon is used with this

printer?

(2) Is ribbon threaded correctly in the

mechanism?

(3) Is paper core installed on the ribbon

take up spindle?

2. Calibrate the sensitivity of gap sensor.

Continuous feeding when printing

labels

1. Check the driver or command script setting
if sensor type is set properly.

2. Calibrate the gap sensor again if die cut
media is used for printing.

35

Update History

Date

Content

Editor

2010/10/12

Add section 1.2~1.5

Camille

2010/10/13

Modify section 1.2 & 1.3

Camille

2010/11/22

Modify section 1.1

Camille

2011/1/25

Modify TSC address

Camille

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.

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]