THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER
USER’S
MANUAL
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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..
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The FreeType Project LICENSE
2000-Feb-08
Copyright 1996-2000 by
David Turner, Robert Wilhelm, and Werner Lemberg
Introduction
The FreeType Project is distributed in several archive packages; some of them may contain,
in addition to the FreeType font engine, various tools and contributions which rely on, or
relate to, the FreeType Project.
This license applies to all files found in such packages, and which do not fall under their own
explicit license. The license affects thus the FreeType font engine, the test programs,
documentation and make files, at the very least.
This license was inspired by the BSD, Artistic, and IJG(Independent JPEG Group) licenses,
which all encourage inclusion and use of free software in commercial and freeware products
alike. As a consequence, its main points are that:
zWe don't promise that this software works. However, we will be interested in any kind
of bug reports. (`as is' distribution)
zYou can use this software for whatever you want, in parts or full form, without having
to pay us. (`royalty-free' usage)
zYou may not pretend that you wrote this software. If you use it, or only parts of it, in a
program, you must acknowledge somewhere in your documentation that you have
used the FreeType code. (`credits')
We specifically permit and encourage the inclusion of this software, with or without
modifications, in commercial products. We disclaim all warranties covering The FreeType
Project and assume no liability related to The FreeType Project.
Legal Terms
Definitions
Throughout this license, the terms `package', `FreeType Project', and `FreeType archive'
refer to the set of files originally distributed by the authors (David Turner, Robert Wilhelm,
and Werner Lemberg) as the `FreeType Project', be they named as alpha, beta or final
release.
`You' refers to the licensee, or person using the project, where `using' is a generic term
including compiling the project's source code as well as linking it to form a `program' or
`executable'. This program is referred to as `a program using the FreeType engine'.
This license applies to all files distributed in the original FreeType Project, including all
source code, binaries and documentation, unless otherwise stated in the file in its original,
unmodified form as distributed in the original archive.
If you are unsure whether or not a particular file is covered by this license, you must
contact us to verify this.
The FreeType Project is copyright (C) 1996-2000 by David Turner, Robert Wilhelm, and
Werner Lemberg. All rights reserved except as specified below.
1. No Warranty
THE FREETYPE PROJECT IS PROVIDED `AS IS' WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.IN NO EVENT WILL ANY OF THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE,
OF THE FREETYPE PROJECT.
2. Redistribution
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This license grants a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual and irrevocable right and license
to use, execute, perform, compile, display, copy, create derivative works of, distribute
and sublicense the FreeType Project (in both source and object code forms) and
derivative works thereof for any purpose; and to authorize others to exercise some or all
of the rights granted herein, subject to the following conditions:
zRedistribution of source code must retain this license file (`LICENSE.TXT')
unaltered; any additions, deletions or changes to the original files must be clearly
indicated in accompanying documentation. The copyright notices of the unaltered,
original files must be preserved in all copies of source files.
zRedistribution in binary form must provide a disclaimer that states that the software
is based in part of the work of the FreeType Team, in the distribution documentation.
We also encourage you to put an URL to the FreeType web page in your
documentation, though this isn't mandatory.
These conditions apply to any software derived from or based on the FreeType Project,
not just the unmodified files. If you use our work, you must acknowledge us. However,
no fee need be paid to us.
3. Advertising
Neither the FreeType authors and contributors nor you shall use the name of the other
for commercial, advertising, or promotional purposes without specific prior written
permission.
We suggest, but do not require, that you use one or more of the following phrases to
refer to this software in your documentationor advertising materials: `FreeType Project',
`FreeType Engine',`FreeType library', or `FreeType Distribution'.
As you have not signed this license, you are not required to accept it. However, as the
FreeType Project is copyrighted material, only this license, or another one contracted
with the authors, grants you the right to use, distribute, and modify it.
Therefore, by using, distributing, or modifying the FreeType Project, you indicate that
you understand and accept all the terms of this license.
Discusses general use and applications of FreeType, as well as future and wanted
additions to the library and distribution. If you are looking for support, start in this list
if you haven't found anything to help you in the documentation.
5.3 Internal Parts Cleaning................................................................................. 18
APPENDIX LCD Control Panel Operation Map........................................................20
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1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC TTP-248M bar code printer. TTP248M comes with rugged steel construction and durable metal mechanism
ensuring the ability to work under extreme industrial applications.
TTP-248M is equipped with a 32-bit RISC processor, which offers up to 203.2
mm/sec (8”/sec) print speed. With back-lit LCD display, printer status can be
managed easier and operated more user friendly. The moveable sensor design
can meet wide range of label media.
All of the most frequently used bar code formats are available in TTP-248M.
Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions. This printer
provides a choice of five different sizes of alphanumeric font, OCR-A, OCR-B
and one true type font.
TTP-248M is the most cost-effective and high performance in its class!
1.1 Compliances
FCC Class A
FCC Part 15: 2002/08/20
ANSI.C63.4: 1992
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reason-able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in ac-cordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which the user will be required to correct the interference at his or
her own expense.
CE
EN55022 :1998 class A
EN61000-3-2 :1995 class A
EN61000-3-3 :1995
EN55024 : 1998
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UL/CUL
TÜV/Safety
EN 60950/A11: 1997
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.
BSMI
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2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
After receiving the bar code printer, carefully inspect the device and its packaging.
The printer is specially packaged to withstand damage in shipping. In case of
evident damage, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of
damage. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the
printer.
2.2 Equipment Checklist
z One TTP-248M printer unit
z One ribbon paper core
z One quick installation guide
z One power cord
z One centronics interface cable
z One 3” paper core adapter
z One Windows software/driver CD disk
z One internal rewinder
Separately purchased items may also be included. These additional items may
include:
z Cutter module
z Peel-off sensor
z Programmable Stand-alone keyboard KU-007 Plus
z Memory module
z Internal print server
z External 802.11b/g print server
If any part is missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor.
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2.3 Printer Parts
LED Indicator
LCD Display
Buttons
Printer Cover
Figure 1. Top front view
Laud Buzzer
Centronics Port
RS-232C Port
External Label
Feed Opening
Power Switch
Power Supply
Connector
Figure 2. Printer rear view
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Ribbon Supply Spindle
Ribbon Rewind Spindle
Ribbon Tension Knob
Print Head Pressure
Adjustment Knob
Carriage Release Lever
2.4 Buttons and Indicators
Power Indicator
When the printer is in the power-on condition, the Power indicator is lit on.
Label Spindle
Rewind Spindle
Paper Clamp
Label Rewind Spindle
Label Guide
Media Guide Bar
Figure 3. Printer interior view
On-Line Indicator
This green On-Line indicatoris lit on when the printer is ready; the On-Line
indicator blinks when pressing PAUSE button.
Error Indicator
The red Error indicator illuminates in the event of a printer error, such as
memory full, carriage open, cutter error and so forth.
MENU/SELECT Button
Provided with a built-in menu, the printer allows the user to directly set printing
parameters or view printer status on the LCD display.
Press the MENU button to enter printer setup mode. Press the MENU button
again to proceed the cursor to the next item.
The setup is comprised of these major items: Printer Setup, Sensor Setup,
System Setup, File Setup and Printer Test. For more information, please refer to
Appendix for the structure and operation logic of the menu.
PAUSE/EXE/INC Button
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This button combines three functions:
1. PAUSE button if the printer is in the Ready status. By pressing the PAUSE
button: (1) the printer stops at the completion of printing of the current
label,(2) the On-Line LED flashes, and (3) the printer holds 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.
2. EXE/INC button if in the setup mode. Press EXE/INC button to increase the
value of parameters, or execute the selected item.
FEED/DEC Button
This button also has dual functions: Feed one label and decrease the value of
parameters.
Press the FEED button, the printer will advance one label.
Press the DEC button to change parameter settings or exit the submenu.
Stripper/Rewind Plate
The stripper/rewind plate can be used for strip and label rewind mode. Please
refer to the instruction of the sticker on the stripper/rewind plate to install this
plate.
Carriage Release Lever
When opening the Carriage Release Lever, On-Line LED is lit off, the LCD
display shows “Carriage Open”. After engage the carriage release lever, press
the FEED button, printer will re-register the label and then shows READY on the
LCD display, and the screen will return to ready condition.
Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob
The print head pressure adjustment knob has 5 levels of adjustment. Because
the printer’s paper alignment is to the left side of mechanism, different media
widths require different pressure to print correctly. Therefore it may be necessary
to adjust the pressure knob to get your best printout quality. For example, if the
label width is 4”, adjust both print head pressure adjustment knobs to the same
level. If the label is less than 2” wide, increase the left print head pressure
adjustment knob and decrease the right side pressure to level 1.
Ribbon tension adjustment knob
The ribbon tension adjustment knob offers 6 levels of tension to apply to
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different width of ribbon. Turn the ribbon tension knob clockwise and you will hear
a light click sound as the gear changes. The level of rewind ribbon is from loose to
tight, level 0 to level 5. You will hear a louder click for level 0.
3. Set Up
3.1 Setting Up the Printer
Place the printer on a flat, secure surface and make sure the POWER switch is
off.
Connect the printer to the computer with the provided RS-232C or Centronics
cable.
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 power outlet.
3.2 Ribbon Installation
1. Open the printer right side cover.
2. Disengage the printer carriage lever.
3. Install a new ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle.
※ It is to be noticed that ribbon should be placed to the left end of spindle.
Figure 4. Ribbon installation
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4. Place an empty paper core onto the ribbon rewind roll. (The diameter of
empty paper core must be larger then 34 mm)
5. Pull the ribbon roll leading edge forward through the ribbon sensor. Attach
the ribbon leading edge (with a tape) to the empty paper core.
6. Manually rotate the ribbon rewind roll until the ribbon overlaps the ribbon
leading edge and stretches tight.
Figure 5. Installation of ribbon.
3.3 Label Roll Installation
1. Insert the label supply roll into the label spindle.
2. Pull the label roll leading edge forward through the black media guide bar,
gap/black mark sensor and place the label leading edge onto the platen
roller.
3. Adjust the label guide to meet the width of the label, and buckle it onto the
black media guide bar.
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4. Engage the carriage release lever.
5. Close the printer cover.
6. Switch on the power. Now, the printer is ready to print.
Figure 6. Insert label supply roll into label spindle.
3.4 Self-peeling Function
1. Remove the cutter module (if installed) and the stripper/rewind plate.
2. Install the stripper/rewind plate in the direction with the sticker “The side of
plate is used with tear-off mode, cutter mode and peel-off mode” faced
outside.
3. Wind back the label leading edge.
4. Clip the label on the label rewind spindle by the paper clamp.
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Figure 7. Feed path for the printer media.
3.5 Cutter Module Installation
1. Uninstall the peel-off sensor and stripper/rewind plate.
2. Plug the mini DIN cable into the socket under the platen.
3. Install the stripper/rewind plate.
4. It is to be noted that the cutter module bracket should be mounted into the
slots, which are on the base of the printer.
5. Fix the cutter module on the printer with a screw.
Cutter Module
Figure 8. Cutter module installation
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3.6 Self-test
To initiate the self-test mode, depress the MENU button. Press MENU button to
scroll the cursor to Printer test. Press EXE button to enter the submenu and
press MENU button to “Printer Config”. item. Press EXE button to print printer
internal setting. In self-test, a check pattern is used to check the performance of
the thermal printhead. Following the check pattern, the printer prints internal
settings as listed below:
1. Printer model and firmware version
2. Check sum
3. Serial port setting
4. Code page setting
5. Country code setting
6. Print speed setting
7. Print density setting
8. Label size setting
9. Gap (Bline) width and offset setting
10. Backing paper transparence
11. File list
12. Memory available
Figure 9. Printout of self-test
3.7 Dump Mode
To enter dump mode, please press MENU button to scroll the cursor to “Printer
Test” then Press EXE button to enter the submenu. Press MENU button to scroll
dump mode. Press EXE button to select line dump mode or page dump mode.
Press MENU button to select EXIT to enter dump mode. In this mode, any
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characters sent from the host computer will be printed in two columns, as shown
in Figure 11. The characters received will be printed in two columns as below: on
the left side of the paper are the characters received and on the right side are the
corresponding hexadecimal values. This is very helpful to users for the
verification of programming commands or debugging of printer programs. Reset
the printer by pressing the FEED button.
Figure 10. Printout of dump mode
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4. USING TTP-248M
4.1 Power-on Utilities
There are two power-on utilities to calibrate sensor and initialize TTP-248M
hardware. These utilities are activated by pressing the PAUSE button, PAUSE
and FEED buttons and turning on the printer power simultaneously. The utilities
are listed as below:
1. Gap/black mark sensor calibration
2. Printer initialization
4.1.1 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration Utility
This utility is used to calibrate the sensitivity of the gap/black mark sensor. The
gap/black mark sensor must be calibrated whenever changing the label media
or executing printer initialization.
Please follow the steps below to calibrate the gap sensor.
1. Install the ribbon and label roll as the above-mentioned procedures, and
engage the carriage release lever.
2. Turn off printer power.
3. Press PAUSE key and then turning on printer power. Release the PAUSE
key when “GAP/BLINE sensor calibrating….” Message is shown on the LCD
display. The printer will calibrate the gap/black mark sensor automatically.
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4.1.2 Printer Initialization
Printer Initialization will restore printer settings to defaults.
Default settings are listed as below.
Item Default Value
Mileage N/A No Yes
Check Sum N/A No Yes
Serial Port 19200,n,8,1 Yes Yes
Code Page 437 Yes Yes
Country Code 001 Yes Yes
Tear Mode On Yes Yes
Peel Mode Off Yes Yes
Cleared by
Initialization
Property Saved
when Turning off
Power
Cutter Mode Off Yes Yes
Offset 0 Yes Yes
Reference Point 0,0 Yes Yes
Print Direction 1 Yes Yes
Speed 6”/sec Yes Yes
Density 07 Yes Yes
Label Size 4 x 2.5” Yes Yes
Gap/Bline Sensor Gap Sensor Yes Yes
Gap(Bline) 0.12” (3 mm) Yes Yes
Will be reset. Need
Transparency
to re-calibrate the
Yes Yes
gap sensor
Ribbon Sensor
Sensitivity
5 Yes Yes
LCD Language English Yes Yes
Aux. LED Off Yes Yes
Aux. Buzzer Off Yes Yes
Download Files N/A No Yes
RTC N/A No No
Please follow the steps below to initialize the printer:
1. Turn off the printer power.
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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.
Note1: Printing method (thermal transfer or thermal direct printing ) will be
set automatically at the activation of printer power.
Note2: When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap sensor
again.
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4.2 Troubleshooting Guide
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
Phenomenon Reasons Solutions
No ribbon
No paper
Poor printing quality
Power indicator does
not illuminate
Paper jam
Carriage open
1. Running out of ribbon
2. The ribbon is installed
incorrectly.
3. The ribbon sensor is not
been well calibrated.
1. Running out of label
2. The label is installed
incorrectly.
3. The moveable gap/black
mark sensor is not placed
in the proper location.
1. Dirt is accumulated on the
print head.
2. The density setting is not
set properly
3. Ribbon and media are
incompatible.
4. The pressure of print head
is not set properly
1. The power cord is not
properly connected.
2. The voltage setting of
power supply in the rear of
printer is set incorrectly.
1. The label size is not set
properly.
2. Labels may be stuck in
side print mechanism.
The printer carriage is open.
1. Supply a new ribbon roll.
2. Please refer to the steps in
section 3.2 Ribbon Installation to reinstall the
ribbon.
3. Please calibrate the ribbon
sensor
1. Supply a new label roll.
2. Please refer to the steps in
section 3.3 Label Roll Installation to reinstall the
label roll.
3. Please move the sensor to
the proper location.
1. Please refer to the steps in
the section 5.1 Print Head Cleaning to clear the print
head.
2. Adjust the print density and
speed.
3. Change proper ribbon or
proper label roll.
4. Adjust the print head
pressure adjustment knob.
1. Please check whether the
power cord is well
connected between printer
and outlet.
2. Please set the voltage
setting of power supply at
the rear of printer to the
proper voltage.
1. a. Reset the label size.
b. Re-calibrate the
gap/black mark sensor.
2. Remove the stuck label.
Please close the print
carriage.
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Memory full ( FLASH
/ DRAM )
No printout printing
through serial port
On-Line indicator is
off, error indicator is
on
The space of FLASH/DRAM
is full.
1. The serial port setting is
not consistent between
host and printer.
2. The serial port cable pin
configuration is not pin to
pin assignment.
1. Out of paper or out of
ribbon.
2. The gap/black mark
sensor or ribbon sensor
are not calibrated.
3. The ribbon rewind spindle
paper core is not been
installed.
4. The diameter of rewind
spindle paper core is less
than 34 mm.
Delete unused files in the
FLASH/DRAM.
1. Please reset the serial port
setting.
2. Please replace the cable
with pin to pin assignment
1. (1) Please check the feed
path of label or ribbon.
(2) Please supply a new
label roll or ribbon roll.
2. (1) Calibrate gap/black
mark sensor.
(2) Calibrate ribbon sensor.
3. Install a paper core onto
the ribbon rewind spindle.
(The diameter of the paper
core should be larger than
34 mm)
4. Please change the paper
core which diameter is
larger than 34 mm.
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5. PRINTER CLEANING
The printer should be cleaned regularly to retain high quality and optimum
performance.
5.1 Print Head Cleaning
1. Always turn off the printer before cleaning the print head. Allow the printhead
to cool for a minimum of one minute.
2. Open the printer cover.
3. Remove the screw by the side of the carriage release lever.
4. Open the printer carriage release lever.
5. Remove the media and ribbon (If loaded).
6. Clean the print head element with a head cleaner pen or use a cotton swab
and 100% ethanol to clean the print head surface.
7. Do not close the printhead until the alcohol volatilizing.
8. Close the printer cover.
Note:
*Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol to clean it.
*It’s industry alcohol. Please do not use regular alcohol, which may damage the printer head.
5.2 Printer Cover Cleaning
1. Switch off and unplug the printer.
2. Using a lint-free cloth soaked in the water or mild detergent, wipe the printer
cover light.
※ Do not use harsh or abrasive cloth and solvent.
5.3 Internal Parts Cleaning
1. Switch off and unplug the printer.
2. Open the printer cover.
3. Remove the media and ribbon (If loaded).
4. Open the printer carriage release lever.
5. Using a soft cloth soaked in the alcohol or mild detergent to wipe the internal
parts.
6. The rubber roller should be clean by cloth soaked in water.
7. Install the ribbon and label, close the carriage release lever.
8. Close the printer cover.
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APPENDIX LCD Control Panel Operation Map
1. Print Setup
2. Sensor Calib.
Speed
Density
Direction
* Tear On
Offset
Reference X
Reference Y
Exit
Auto. Gap
Manual Gap
Auto Bline
Manual Bline
Auto. Ribbon
Manual Ribbon
0~15 (*7)
0* 1
Tear Off
0~999 (*0)
0~999 (*0)
0~999 (*0)
Cutter On
Reserved
10"/sec4 "/sec* 6"/sec8"/sec
Cutter Batch* Tear ModePeel On
3. System Setup
Exit
Lang.
Code Page
* English
USA
SWE
SWI
BRI
SPAITADAN
簡體中文繁體中文
Note:
1. Defaults are marked with asterisk (*)
2. The parameter of shaded area can be accessed by
pressing the INC. or DEC. key to set the value.