TSC TTP-245 Plus, TTP-343 Plus, TTP-247, TTP-345 User Manual

TTP-245 Plus / TTP-343 Plus
TTP-247 / TTP-345

THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

MANUAL

USER’S

COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ..............................................................................1

COMPLIANCES................................................................................................1

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

2. Getting Started....................................................................................1

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................1

2.2 Equipment Checklist .....................................................................1

2.3 Printer Parts...................................................................................3

3. Setup....................................................................................................4

3.1 Setting Up the Printer ...................................................................4

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

3.3 Loading Label Stock.....................................................................6

3.4 External Label Roll Mount Installation (Option) .........................8

3.5 Peel-off Module Installation (Option)...........................................9

3.5.1 Loading the Paper in Peel-off Mode....................................12

3.6 Cutter Module Installation (Option) ...........................................14

Contents

3.6.1 Loading Label in Cutter Mode .............................................17

3.7 Instructions to Top Cover Operation.........................................18

3.8 Diagnostic Tool ...........................................................................21

3.8.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool......................................................21

3.8.2 Printer Function (Calibrate sensor, Ethernet setup, RTC

setup………)...................................................................................22

3.9 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Utility (Option)........................23

3.9.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface...............23

3.9.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface ..........24

3.9.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface........25

3.10 Install Memory Card..................................................................27

4. Power on Utilities..............................................................................29

4.1 Ribbon and Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration......................29

4.2 Gap/Black Mark Calibration, Self-test and Dump Mode...........29

4.3 Printer Initialization.....................................................................33

4.4 Set Black Mark Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the

Black Mark Sensor............................................................................ 34

4.5 Set Gap Sensor as Media Sensor and Calibrate the Gap Sensor
34

4.6 Skip AUTO.BAS...........................................................................34

5. Maintenance......................................................................................36

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5.1 Cleaning.......................................................................................36

6. Troubleshooting................................................................................38

6.1 LED Status...................................................................................38

6.2 Print Quality.................................................................................39

7. LED and Button Operation...............................................................41

7.1 LED...............................................................................................41

7.2 Button Operation.........................................................................41

Revise History.......................................................................................44

ii

Copyright Declaration

Information in this subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form 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..

Compliances

CE Class B:

EN55022: 1998+A1: 2000+A2: 2003
EN55024: 1998+A1: 2001+A2: 2003 IEC 61000-4 Series

EN61000-3-2: 2006 & EN61000-3-3: 1995+A1: 2001
FCC Part 15, Class B
UL, CUL
C-Tick:

CFR 47, Part 15/CISPR 22 3

rd

Edition: 1997, Class B
ANSI C63.4: 2003
Canadian ICES-003

TÜV/Safety: EN60950: 2000

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 Flűssig-oder Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet
sich ein angefeuchtetes Tuch zur Reinigung.

4. Die Netzanschlußsteckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebraucht 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. Beáchten Sie beim Anschluß an das stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.

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

betieben werden.

1

CAUTION

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
BA TTERY CR2032 INSTALLED. RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS
REPLACED BY A N INCORRECT TYPE.

3. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER
INSTRUCTIONS.

2

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the TSC TTP-245/343 Plus series, TTP-247/345 series
Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Bar Code Printers. Although the printer takes
only a small amount of space, it delivers reliable, superior performance.

This printer provides both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at user
selectable speed of: 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 ips, for TTP-245/345 series; 2.0 or 3.0 ips
for TTP-343 series, .2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 or 7.0 ips It accepts roll feed, die-cut, and
fan-fold labels for both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. All common bar
codes formats are available. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in 4 directions, 8
different alphanumeric bitmap fonts and a build-in true type font capability. You will
enjoy high throughput for printing labels with this printer.

2. Getting Started

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.

2.2 Equipment Checklist

 Printer
 BarTender UltraLite CD disk
 Quick start guide
 USB port cable
 External universal switching power supply
 Power Cord
 Label Spindle, fixing tab x2, 1.5” core adapter x2
 Ribbon spindle x2
 Ribbon rewind spindle paper core

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

Dealer option

 Peel off module assembly.
 Guillotine cutter

Full cut:

Paper thickness: 0.06~ 0.19mm, 500,000 cuts

Partial cut:

Paper thickness: 0.06~0.12mm, 500,000 cuts
Paper thickness: 0.19mm 200,000 cuts

 Main board integrated with internal Ethernet
 Internal Ethernet print server module

User option

 KP-200
 KU-007 plus
 External Ethernet print server
 External wireless (802.11b/g) print server
 External roll mount, media OD. 214 mm (8.4”) with 3” core label spindle
 Contact CCD contact scanner
 Long range linear image bar code scanner

2

2.3 Printer Parts

Clear Window

Ribbon Access Cover

LED Indicator

Feed Button

Printer Top Cover

Top Cover Open Lever

Fig. 1 Top front view

6

1. USB Interface

2. Centronics Interface

3. RS-232C DB-9 Interface

4. Power Jack

5. Power Switch

6. Rear Paper Guide

1

2

3

4 5

Fig. 2 Rear view

3

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 Centronics or USB 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 receptacle.

USB

Plug

Power Switch

Power Cable

Centronics

RS-232C

Power Supply

Fig. 3 Attach power supply to printer

3.2 Loading the Ribbon

The printer will detect if the ribbon is installed after turning on power on and it will
set printing mode to thermal transfer or direct thermal printing mode automatically. If
printer does not detect the ribbon, the ribbon take up motor will be turned off.

Make sure the printer top cover is engaged properly at both sides prior to powering
up the printer.

4

r

Please follow the steps below to install the ribbon into printer.

1. Push down on the ribbon access window to unlatch and open the cover.

2. Place a paper core onto the ribbon rewind spindle.

3. Mount the ribbon rewind paper core on the front hubs.

4. Install a ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle.

5. Mount the ribbon supply spindle on the rear hubs.

6. Thread the ribbon leading tape downward pass the print head.

7. Attach the ribbon leader to the ribbon rewind paper core.

8. Rotate the ribbon rewind paper core until the ribbon leader is thoroughly, firmly
encompassed by the black section of the ribbon.

9. Close the ribbon access window.

Paper Core

Ribbon Access Cove

Ribbon Spindle

Back Hub

Front Hub

Fig. 4 Ribbon installation (I)

5

p

Ribbon supply spindle

Ribbon
Lead Tape

Rear Hub

Ribbon Rewind Spindle with Paper Core

Fig. 5 Ribbon installation (II)

3.3 Loading Label Stock

1. Insert a 1” label spindle into a paper roll ( * If your paper core is 1 inch, remove
the 1.5” core adapter from the fixed tab. If label width is 4 inch wide, two fixing
tabs are not required. ).

2. Open the printer’s top cover by releasing the green top cover open levers

1.5” Core
Adapter

Printing Side
Face U

*

Paper Roll

Fixed Tab

1” Label Spindle

Fig. 6 Label roll installation (I)

located on each side of the printer and lifting the top cover. A top cover support
at the rear of the printer will hold the printer top cover open.

6

Lower Cover

Fig. 7 Pull the lever to open the cover

3. Place a roll of paper onto the center of the paper roll mount.

4. Feed the paper, printing side face up, through the Teflon bar and the paper
guide and pass over the platen.

5. Adjust the green center-biased paper guides to slightly touch the edges of the
label backing.

6. To close the printer top cover, lift the cover to the ultimate open angle then use
both hands to close the cover gently. Close the printer top cover slowly and

make sure the cover latches securely.

Note:

1. Make sure hands are not placed between printer top cover and lower
cover when close the top cover.

2. Do not free fall the top cover.

3. Failure to securely close and lock the cover will result in poor print

quality.

Printer Top Cover

Top Cover Support

Paper Guide

Paper Roll Mount
Teflon Bar

Top Cover Open Lever

7

Fig. 8 Label installation (II)

3.4 External Label Roll Mount Installation (Option)

1. Attach an external paper roll mount on the bottom of the printer.

Fig. 9 Attach the external roll mount to the printer

1. Open the printer top cover by releasing the top cover open levers. The top cover
support will hold the printer top cover.

2. Install a roll of paper on the external paper roll mount.

3. Feed the paper to the external paper feed opening through the rear paper guide.

External Paper Roll
Mount

External Paper Feed Opening

Fig. 10 External roll mount label installation (I)

4. Feed the paper, printing side face up, through the paper guide and pass over the
platen.

8

5. Adjust the paper guides to fit the paper width.

6. Close the printer top cover by lifting the top cover to the maximum opening
angle then push down the top cover gently.

Rear Paper Guide

Top Cover Support

Paper Guide
Platen

Fig. 11 External roll mount label installation (II)

3.5 Peel-off Module Installation (Option)

1. Open the top cover and remove the front panel from the printer.

Front Panel

Fig. 12 Remove the front panel

2. Open the top cover and hold it and push down and push backward the top cover
support then push backward the top cover.

9

3. Use a screwdriver to screw off 6 screws on the lower inner cover.

Top Cover Support

Screws

Top Cover

Flute

Lower Inner
Cover

Screws

Lower Cover

Fig. 13 Remove 6 screws from lower inner cover

4. Upside down the printer. Remove two screws at the hinge and remove one
screw at memory card cover.

5. Hold the lower cover to lift up the top cover open levers to separate the lower
inner cover and the lower cover.

6. Arrange the cable through the bezel. Connect the peel-off panel cable to the
5-pin socket on printer PCB.

PCB

5-pin Socket

Peel-off panel
Cable

Peel-off
panel

Tenon

10

Fig. 14 Connect peel-off sensor cable to main board

Bezel

Mortise

Fig. 15 Peel-off sensor cable installation

7. Insert the peel-off tenons into the lower inner cover mortises until tenons snap
into places.

Lower Inner Cover

Roller

Lower Cover

Tenon

Mortise

Fig. 16 Peel-off panel installation (I)

8. Arrange the lower inner cover back to the lower cover.

11

Peel-off
panel
Roller

Fig. 17 Peel-off panel installation (II)

9. Lift up the peel-off panel to the lower cover to close it.

10. Use a screwdriver to screw down whole screws on the lower inner cover and

the lower cover.

11. Close the top cover by arranging the top cover support back to the flute

and push it forward then close the top cover slowly.

3.5.1 Loading the Paper in Peel-off Mode

Note: Both thermal paper and plain paper apply for peel-off function

but neither PVC nor vynle work at peel-off function.

1. Insert a 1” label spindle into a paper roll.

2. Open the printer top cover by pulling the top cover open levers. The top cover

support will hold the printer top cover.

Peel-off panel
Backing paper
Opening

Top Cover Open Lever

Fig. 18 Open the top cover

3. Install the paper roll on the paper roll mount.

12

4. Open the peel-off panel by pulling it out.

Peel-off
panel

Fig. 19 Open the peel-off panel

5. Feed the paper, printing side facing up, through the paper guide and pass over
the platen.

6. Lead the paper through the backing paper opening, beneath the roller, and tear
off one piece of the label.

7. Adjust the paper guide by removing left or right to fit the paper width.

Top Cover

Top Cover Support

Roller

Peel-off panel

Fig. 20 Lead the paper through the backing paper opening, beneath the

roller

8. Push the peel-off panel back to the printer.

13

9. Close the top cover by lifting up the top cover support and close the top cover

slowly.

Note: Pull the label outward tightly after closing the top cover.

Fig. 21 Complete label installation for peel-off mode

3.6 Cutter Module Installation (Option)

1. Pull the top cover open levers to open the top cover.

2. Remove the front panel from the lower cover.

Lower Cover

Fig. 22 Pull the lever to open the cover

3. Open the top cover and hold it and push down and push backward the top cover
support then push backward the top cover.

14

4. Use a screwdriver to screw off 6 screws on the lower inner cover.

Top Cover

Top Cover Support

Screws

Front Panel

Flute

Lower Inner Cover

Lower Cover

Screws

Fig. 23 Remove 6 screws from lower inner cover

5. Place the printer upside down and unscrew the two screws of the hinge holder
on the lower cover.

6. Unscrew the screw of the memory card cover and remove the memory card
cover. Plug in the cutter driver IC at U14(TTP-245/343) / U30(TTP-245 Plus/343
Plus/247/345) socket on the main board.

7. Use both thumbs to hold the lower cover and index fingers to lift up the top cover
open levers to separate the lower inner cover and the lower cover.

8. Arrange the cable through the bezel. Connect the cutter module cable to the
4-pin socket on printer PCB.

15

PCB

4-pin Socket
Cutter Cable

Cutter

Fig. 24 Cutter module installation

Lower Inner Cover

Lower Cover Cutter Cable

Bezel

Fig. 25 Cutter module cable arrangement

9. Arrange the lower inner cover back to the lower cover.

10. Install the cutter into the niches of the printer.

16

Cutter

Niche

Fig. 26 Cutter module installation

11. Use a screwdriver to screw whole screws on the lower inner cover and the

lower cover.

12. Close the top cover by arranging the top cover support back to the flute

and push it forward then close the top cover slowly.

3.6.1 Loading Label in Cutter Mode

1. Insert a 1” label spindle into a paper roll.

2. Open the printer top.

3. Install a paper roll on the paper roll mount.

4. Feed the paper, printing side face up, through the paper guide and pass over the
platen.

5. Lead the paper through the cutter paper opening.

6. Adjust the paper guide by removing left or right to fit the paper width.

17

Top Cover

Top Cover Support

Paper Guide
Platen
Cutter

Fig. 27 Label installation in cutter mode

7. Close the top cover by lifting up the top cover support and close the top cover

slowly.

Fig. 28 Complete label installation in cutter mode

3.7 Instructions to Top Cover Operation

Please take care when opening or closing the printer’s top cover by carefully
following these instructions.

To Open:

1. When facing the front of the printer pull the cover release levers on both sides of
printer towards you.

18

2. Lift up the top gradually.
There are two stop positions for the top cover. Position 1 and 2 are indicated on
the label below.

Note: To hold the cover open at position 1, you must lift the cover higher
than the stopping point at position 1 and gently lower the cover to stop
position 1. DO NOT free fall the top cover!

3. Fully open the top cover and gently lower it to stop position 2.

Fig. 1 Top cover support is fixed at position 2

4. To close the cover, lift up the top cover to the ultimate angle then close the top
cover gently and it will be kept at a stop position between 1 and 2 for a while.
Use both hands to gently push down the top cover to close it and make sure the
cover is latched on both sides.

Note: DO NOT place your hands between top cover and lower cover
while close the top cover!

19

Fig. 2 Top cover is fully open and ready to close

Fig. 3 Use both hands to close the top cover

5. Do not force the cover! If you are not sure if top cover is fixed at stop position,
please do not push top cover to close it or the top cover will be damaged.

Please open the top cover to the ultimate angle to close the top cover again.
Use both hands to push top cover to close it.

20

3.8 Diagnostic Tool

The Diagnostic Utility is a toolbox that allows users to explore the printer's
settings and status; change printer settings; download graphics, fonts, and
firmware; create printer bitmap fonts; and to send additional commands to the
printer. Using this convenient tool, you can explore the printer status and
settings and troubleshoot the printer.

Note: This utility works with printer firmware V6.00 and later versions.

3.8.1 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

Printer Status

Interface

Printer setup

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3.8.2 Printer Function (Calibrate sensor, Ethernet setup, RTC setup………)

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

2. Click the “Function” button to setting.

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

Function Description

Calibrate Sensor

Ethernet Setup

RTC Time Synchronize printer Real Time Clock with PC

Print Test Page Print a test page

Reset Printer Reboot printer

Factory Default

Dump Text To activate the printer dump mode.

Ignore AUTO.BAS Ignore the downloaded AUTO.BAS program

Configuration Page Print printer configuration

Calibrate the sensor specified in the Printer Setup
group media sensor field
Setup the IP address, subnet mask, gateway for
the on board Ethernet (Please refer to next section)

Initialize the printer and restore the settings to
factory default.

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

22

3.9 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.

3.9.1 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.

Note: This utility works with printer firmware V6.00 and later versions.

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.

23

3.9.2 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.

Note: This utility works with printer firmware V6.00 and later versions.

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.

24

3.9.3 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.

Note: This utility works with printer firmware V6.00 and later versions.

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.

25

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.

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.

26

3.10 Install Memory Card

1. Turn the printer upside down.

2. Remove the screw that fixes the memory card cover.

3. Plug in the memory card on main board.

TTP-245/343 Model (Option) TTP-245 Plus/343 Plus/247/345

Model (SD Card)

Screw

Memory Card Cover

4. Close the memory card cover.

* Recommended SD card specification.

SD card spec SD card capacity Approved SD card manufac turer

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

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

27

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.

28

4. Power on Utilities

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

1. Ribbon sensor calibration and Gap or black mark sensor calibration

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

3. Printer initialization

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

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

6. Skip AUTO.BAS

4.1 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.
 The LED color will be changed as following order：

Amber Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ
green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ 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.

4.2 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

29

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ
green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ 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.

30

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.

Self-test printout

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

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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.

ASCII Data

Hex decimal data
related to left
column of ASCII
data

Fig. 30 Dump mode printout

Note:

Turn off / on the power to resume printer for normal printing.

32

4.3 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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ
green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ solid green

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

Parameter Default setting

Speed 203DPI :127 mm/sec (5 ips)

300DPI: 76 mm/sec (3 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 No
IP Address DHCP

Note：
Always do gap/black mark sensor calibration after printer initialization.

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4.4 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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ

green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ solid green

4.5 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.

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ
green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ solid green

4.6 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.

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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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green (5 blinks) Æ

green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5 blinks) Æ solid green

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

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5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

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 (Head cleaner pen)
 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 (Head

cleaner pen) and 100% ethanol
to clean the print head surface.

Clean the print head when
changing a new label roll

Platen Roller

Tear Bar/Peel

Bar

Sensor

Exterior

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.

Use the lint-free cloth with 100%

ethanol to wipe it.

Compressed air or vacuum Monthly
Wipe it with water-dampened As needed

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Clean the platen roller when
changing a new label roll

As needed

cloth

Interior

Brush or vacuum As needed

Note:

z Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol

to clean it.

z Please use 100% Ethenol. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage

the printer head.

z 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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6. 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.

6.1 LED Status

This section lists the common problems that according to the LED status and other
problems you may encounter when operating the printer. Also, it provides solutions.

LED

Status /

Printer

Status

Possible

Cause

Recovery Procedure

Color

OFF No response No power * Turn on the power switch.

* Check if the green LED is lit on power

supply. If it is not lit on, power supply

is broken.

* Check both power connections from

the power cord to the power supply

and from the power supply to the

printer power jack if they are

connected securely.

Solid Green ON The printer is

ready to use

Green with

blinking

Red with

Pause The printer is

paused

Error The out of label or

* No action necessary.

* Press the FEED button to resume for

printing.

1. Out of label or ribbon

blinking

ribbon or the

printer setting is

not correct

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* Load a roll of label and follow the

instructions in loading the media then

press the FEED button to resume for

printing.

* Load a roll of ribbon and follow the

instructions in loading the ribbon then

press the FEED button to resume for

printing.

2. Printer setting is not correct

* Initialize the printer by instructions in

“Power on Utility” or “Diagnostic Tool”.

Note:
Printer status can be easily shown on the Diagnostic Tool. For more information about
the Diagnostic Tool, please refer to the instruction in the software CD disk.

6.2 Print Quality

Problem Possible Cause Recovery Procedure

Check if interface cable is well

connected to the interface
connector.

The serial port cable pin

configuration is not pin to pin
connected.

The serial port setting is not

Not Printing

consistent between host and

printer.

The port specified in the Windows

driver is not correct.

The Ethernet IP, subnet mask,

gateway is not configured

properly.

Re-connect cable to interface.

Please replace the cable with pin
to pin connected.

Please reset the serial port

setting.

Select the correct printer port in

the driver.

Configure the IP, subnet mask

and gateway.

No print on the

label

Continuous

feeding labels

Paper Jam

Poor Print Quality

Label or ribbon loaded not

correctly.

Ribbon run out. Loading the ribbon.

The printer setting may go wrong.

Gap/black mark sensor sensitivity

is not set properly (sensor

sensitivity is not enough)

Make sure label size is set

properly.

Labels may be stuck inside the

printer mechanism near the

sensor area.

Top cover is not closed properly.

Follow the instructions in loading
the media or loading the ribbon.

Please do the initialization and

gap/black mark calibration.
Calibrate the gap/black mark

sensor.

Set label size exactly as installed
paper in the labeling software or
program.

Remove the stuck label.

Close the top cover completely
and make sure the right side and
left side levers are latched
properly

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Check if supply is loaded

correctly.

Ribbon and media are

incompatible.

Check if dust or adhesives are

accumulated on the print head.

Check if print density is set

properly.

Check print head test pattern if

head element is damaged.

Reload the supply.

Change the ribbon or label
combination.

Clean the print head.

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.

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7. LED and Button Operation

7.1 LED

LED Color Description

Green/ Solid

Green/ Flash This illuminates that the system is downloading data

Amber

Red / Solid This illuminates printer head open, cutter error.

Red / Flash This illuminates a printing error, such as head open,

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

from PC to memory and the printer is paused.
This illuminates that the system is clearing data from
printer.

paper empty, paper jam, ribbon empty, or memory error
etc.

7.2 Button Operation

Feed

z Press the button when the LED is green.

 It feeds the label to the beginning of the next label.

Pause

Ribbon Sensor and

Gap/Black Mark

Sensor Calibration

z Press the feed button during printing

 The printing job is suspended.

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.

 The LED color will be changed as following order：

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

Note:
Please select gap or black mark sensor 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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Gap/Black Mark

1.Turn off the power switch.

Sensor Calibratio,

Label Length

Measurement,

Self Test and enter

Dump Mode

Printer

Initialization

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ
green (5 blinks) Æ green/amber (5 blinks) Æ
red/amber (5 blinks) Æ solid green

 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 GAP or BLINE
command prior to calibrate the sensor.
For more information about GAP and BLINE command,
please refer to TSPL2 programming manual.

1. Turn off the power switch.

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

Set Black Mark

Sensor as Media

Sensor and

Calibrate the Black

Mark Sensor

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green
(5 blinks) Æ green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5
blinks) Æ solid green

Note:
Always do gap/black mark sensor calibration after printer

initialization.

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green
(5 blinks) Æ green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber
(5 blinks) Æ solid green

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Set Gap Sensor as

1. Turn off the power switch.

Media Sensor and

Calibrate the Gap

Sensor

Skip AUTO.BAS

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

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green
(5 blinks) Æ green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5
blinks) Æ solid green

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 Æ red (5 blinks) Æ amber (5 blinks) Æ green
(5 blinks) Æ green/amber (5 blinks) Æ red/amber (5

blinks) Æ solid green

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

43

Revise History

Date Content Editor

2008/2/29

*Add 3.8 section: Diagnostic Tool

*Add the IP Address default setting

*Revise 2.2 section

2008/3/6

*Add 3.9 section: Install memory card

*Revise the printer default setting

2008/3/7

*Revise 3.6, 4.2 and 5.1 section

2008/3/10 Revise the 6 section Camille

2009/3/11 Revise 3.9 section (Recommended SD card specification) Camille

2009/6/16 *Add TTP-247/345 model name

*Revise 4.2 section

*Add caution to compliances section

2009/10/14 *Revise 3.8 section

*Add 3.9 section

Camille

Camille

Camille

Camille

Camille

44

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters / Factory Taipei Office
No. 35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Town 11F, No. 205, Sec. 3, Beishin Rd., Shindian City,
, I-Lan County 268, Taiwan, R.O.C. Taipei 231, Taiwan, R.O.C.
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web site: www.tscprinters.com

E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

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