TSC TTP-2610MT Series, TTP-368MT Series Service Manual

TTP-2610MT/ TTP-368MT Series

SERVICE

MANUAL

THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

i

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. FUNDAMENTAL OF THE SYSTEM .......................................................................... 3

1.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 3

2. ELECTRONICS .......................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Summary of Board Connectors ............................................................................................................. 7

2.2 Pin Configuration ................................................................................................................................. 12

3. MECHANISM ........................................................................................................... 14

3.1 Remove Covers ................................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 Replacing the LCD Panel Module ....................................................................................................... 16

3.3 Replacing the Power Supply Unit ........................................................................................................ 18

3.4 Replacing Multi-interface Board .......................................................................................................... 19

3.5 Replacing the Main Board ................................................................................................................... 20

3.6 Replacing the Platen Roller Assembly ................................................................................................ 21

3.7 Replacing the Stepping Motor ............................................................................................................. 22

3.8 Replacing the Print head ASS'Y .......................................................................................................... 23

3.9 Replacing the Gap and Black-mark Sensor Module ........................................................................... 25

3.10 Replacing the DC Motor Module ....................................................................................................... 26

3.11 Cutter Module Installation (Option) .................................................................................................... 27

3.12 Replacing the Cutter Driver IC Board (Option) .................................................................................. 29

3.13 Peel-off kit Installation ........................................................................................................................ 30

3.14 Slot-in Wifi Housing Installation (Option) ........................................................................................... 40

4. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................. 41

4.1 Common Problems .............................................................................................................................. 41

4.2 Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob ................................................................................................ 45

4.3 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles ...................................................................... 46

4.4 Z-axis Mechanism Adjustment Knob ................................................................................................... 48

5. MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................... 50

UPDATE HISTORY ...................................................................................................... 52

3

1. FUNDAMENTAL OF THE SYSTEM

1.1. Overview

Front View

1. LED indicators

2. Touch screen

3. Operation buttons

4. Media viewer

5. Paper exit chute

6. Printer right side cover opener

2

1

3

4

5
6

4

Interior View

1. Ribbon rewind spindle

2. Ribbon supply spindle

3. Print head pressure adjustment knobs

4. Z axis mechanism adjustment knob

5. Print head release lever

6. Media guide bar

7. Rear label guide

8. Label roll guard

9. Label supply spindle

10. Damper

11. Print head

12. Ribbon sensor

13. Gap sensor

14. Platen roller

15. Black mark sensor

16. Front label guide

2

1

3

4

13
7 5 8

9

10
11

12

6

14

15

16

5

Rear View

1. External label entrance chute

2. Power cord socket

3. Power switch

4. Ethernet interface

5. * SD card socket

6. USB interface

7. USB host

8. RS-232C interface

9. GPIO interface (Option)

10. Centronics interface

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

1

3

2

4

7

6

5

8
9

10

6

* Recommended SD card specification

Type

SD card spec

SD card capacity

Approved SD card manufacturer

SDHC

V2.0 Class 4

2G

Transcend

V3.0 Class 10

32G

Kingston

V3.0 Class 10

16G

Kingston

V2.0 Class 4

8G

Scandisk

V3.0 Class 10

32G

Scandisk

Micro SD

V2.0 Class 4

4G

Transcend

V2.0 Class 4

8G

Transcend

V3.0 Class 10 UHS-I

16G

Transcend

V3.0 Class 10 UHS-I

32G

Transcend

V3.0 Class 10

16G

Kingston

V2.0 Class 4

16G

Scandisk

V3.0 Class 10 UHS-I

16G

Scandisk

- 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.

7

2. ELECTRONICS

2.1 Summary of Board Connectors

Main board

Connector

Description

1

Ethernet RJ-45 connector

2

SD card slot

3

USB device connector

4

USB host connector

5

RS-232C connector

6

Microprocessor

7

GPIO connector

2

3

5

10 6 12

11

20

19

16

17 4 1

7

18

21

22

23

24

25

14

15 9 8

13

8

8

Centronics port FPC connector

9

TFT LCD panel FPC connector

10

KEY & LED connector

11

USB host internal connector (Reserve)

12

I2C internal connector (Reserve)

13

RFID module connector (4” 6pin / 6” or 8” 4pin)

14

Ribbon recover sensor connector (For 6” 8” used only) (Blue)

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Ribbon encoder sensor
emitter power pin

4.0~4.15V

2

Ribbon encoder sensor
receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

3

GND

0V 4 DC motor signal pin

5

DC motor signal pin

15

Ribbon supply sensor connector (For 6” 8” used only) (Red)

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Ribbon encoder sensor
emitter power pin

4.0~4.15V

2

Ribbon encoder sensor
receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

3

GND

0V 4 DC motor signal pin

5 DC motor signal pin

16

Power supply output (24V DC) connector

17

Stepping motor connector

18

Print head data connector

19

Print head power connector

20

Cutter/peel-off sensor connector

5 4 3 2 1

5 4 3 2 1

9

Note:

9 Pin Mini Din for cutter/peel-off module connector

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Cutter enable

0V: Cutter work
5V: Cutter stop

2

Cutter direction

0V: Cutter positive cut
5V: Cutter negative cut

3

Cutter position sensor
switch

0V: Cutter stop

3.3V: Cutter work

4

Peel sensor receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

5

N/A

N/A

6

Logic power

5V 7 GND

0V 8 Cutter power

24V

9

I2C SCL signal

10

I2C SDA signal

21

Head open sensor connector

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Head open sensor emitter
power pin

1.2~1.4V

2

GND

0V 3 Logic power

3.3V

4

Head open sensor receiver

0V: Head close

3.3V: Head open

22

Ribbon sensor connector

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Ribbon sensor receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

2

Ribbon sensor emitter
power pin

5V

3

GND

0V

4

Ribbon sensor emitter

4.0~4.1V: Emitter on

4.3~4.4V: Emitter off

23

Black mark sensor connector (For 6” 8” used only)

4
3
2
1

4
3
2
1

1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10

10

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Black mark sensor
receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

2

Black mark sensor emitter
power pin

5V

3

GND

0V

4

Black mark sensor emitter

4.0~4.1V: Emitter on

4.3~4.4V: Emitter off

24

Gap sensor connector

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Power

5V

2

Gap sensor emitter

4.0~4.1V: Emitter on

4.3~4.4V: Emitter off

3

Black mark sensor emitter

4.0~4.1V: Emitter on

4.3~4.4V: Emitter off

4

Gap and black mark
sensor receiver

A/D: 0~3.3V

5

GND

0V

25

Rewind connector

Pin

Description

Voltage

1

Power

24V 2 Cutter direction signal

3 Cutter enable signal

4

Cutter position sensor
switch signal

5

GND

0V

5
4
3
2
1

5
4
3
2
1

4
3
2
1

11

GPIO with multi-interface board

Connector

Description

Remark

1

GPIO connector

2

GPIO power and control signal connector

3

Centronics port connector

4

Centronics port FPC connector

2 1 4

3

12

2.2 Pin Configuration

RS-232C

PIN

CONFIGURATION

1

+5 V

2

TXD

3

RXD

4

CTS

5

GND

6

RTS

7

N/C

8

RTS

9

N/C

USB

PIN

CONFIGURATION

1

N/C 2 D- 3 D+

4

GND

Centronics

Pin

SPP Mode

Nibble

In/Out

1

Strobe

N/A

In

2-9

Data 0-7

N/A

In

10

Ack

N/A

Out

11

Busy

N/A

Out

12

Paper Out / End

N/A

Out

13

Select

N/A

Out

14

Ground

N/A

GND

15

No Defined

N/A

N/A

16-17

Ground

N/A

GND

18

No Defined

N/A

N/A

19-30

Ground

N/A

GND

31

No Defined

N/A

N/A

13

32

Error / Fault

N/A

Out

33-35

Ground

N/A

GND

36

No Defined

N/A

N/A

Ethernet

PIN

CONFIGURATION

1

Tx+ 2 Tx- 3 Rx+

4

N/C

5

N/C 6 Rx- 7 N/C 8 N/C

GPIO

14

3. MECHANISM

3.1 Remove Covers

1. Remove 4 screws from printer.

2. Open printer right side cover and remove 2 screws then close the cover.

3. Remove the electronics cover.

Screws

Screws

Electronics
cover

15

4. Remove 6 screws from each hinge. Be careful the right side cover may fall out
from the printer. Take out the right side cover from the printer.

5. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Screws

Right side cover

16

3.2 Replacing the LCD Panel Module

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.

2. Remove 2 screws on the module bracket.

3. Push down the tab to remove the LCD panel module.

4. Remove 4 screws to remove the module bracket.

5. Disconnect 3 harnesses to replace the LCD panel module.

PUSH

17

6. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

18

3.3 Replacing the Power Supply Unit

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.

2. Disconnect 2 connectors, and remove 2 screws on the power supply unit.

3. Replace the power supply unit.

4. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Screws

19

3.4 Replacing Multi-interface Board

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.

2. Remove 2 screws from multi-interface board. Disconnect 2 connectors.

3. Replace the multi-interface board.

4. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Screws

20

3.5 Replacing the Main Board

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove electronics cover.

2. Remove 4 screws to take off the interface plate.

2. Refer to section 3.4 to remove multi-interface board.

3. Disconnect all connectors to replace the main board. Remove 2 copper pillars

and 2 screws.

4. Replace the main board.

5. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Copper pillars
Screws

21

3.6 Replacing the Platen Roller Assembly

1. Open printer right side cover.

2. Disengage print head lift lever.

3. Remove the 1 screw to remove gear cover.

4. Remove 2 screws from the platen holder.

5. Take out the platen holder, platen roller assembly and replace a new platen

roller assembly.

6. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Platen roller
assembly

Platen
holder

Screws

Gear cover

22

3.7 Replacing the Stepping Motor

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.

2. Disconnect the stepping motor connector. Remove 2 screws on the stepping

motor.

3. Replace the stepping motor.

4. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Screws

23

3.8 Replacing the Print head ASS'Y

1. Open the printer right side cover.

2. Remove 2 screws from the mechanism.

3. Disengage print head release lever.

4. Carefully disconnect 2 connectors from the print head ASS'Y.

5. Replace the print head ASS'Y.

Screws

Print head
ASS'Y

24

6. Connect the print head cable and carefully slide assembly into the print

mechanism. The holes of print head assembly must align and then insert the
tenons of print mechanism.

7. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Print head
ASS'Y

Tenons

25

3.9 Replacing the Gap and Black-mark Sensor Module

1. Open the printer right side cover.

2. Disengage print head release lever.

3. Refer to section 3.1 and 3.4 to remove electronics cover and multi-interface board.

4. Disconnect the gap and black-mark sensor connectors from the main board.

5. Remove 1 screw to take off the sensor cover from print head mechanism.

6. Replace the sensor module.

Black-mark sensor module

Gap sensor module

7. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

Black-mark sensor
module connector

Gap sensor
module connector

Screws

Sensor
cover

26

3.10 Replacing the DC Motor Module

1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.

2. Disconnect the DC motor module connector from the main board.

3. Remove 4 screws from DC motor fixed plate.

4. Replace the DC motor module.

5. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

DC motor module
connector

27

3.11 Cutter Module Installation (Option)

1. Open the printer right side cover.

2. Remove 2 screws to remove the lower front panel.

3. Plug the cutter mini DIN cable connector into the cutter/peel-off connector. The
triangle mark on the connector must be at the upper side.

4. Use 2 screws to lock the cutter fixing plate onto the front printer.

28

5. Place the cutter module into the cutter fixing plate. Please refer to the following fig.

6. Fasten the 1 screw at the cutter bracket to fix the cutter module to the printer
mechanism.

29

3.12 Replacing the Cutter Driver IC Board (Option)

1. Remove 7 screws on cutter cover.

2. Disconnect 2 connectors on the cutter driver IC board. Remove 2 screws to
replace the cutter driver IC board.

3. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

30

3.13 Peel-off kit Installation

Peel-off kit parts list

1. Internal rewinder spindle

2. Harness for DC motor control board

3. Peel-off cover (Including peel-off sensor assembly)

4. Screw # 1

5. Gear

6. Pillar

7. Screw # 2

8. Copper pillar

9. Screw # 3

10. DC motor control board assembly

11. DC motor kit (Including DC motor and sensor assembly)

12. Screw # 4

13. Platen holder

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

31

1. Remove 4 screws from printer electronics cover.

2. Open printer right side cover and remove two screws then close the cover.

3. Remove the electronics cover.

32

4. Remove 3 screws and 1 connector to remove the DC motor assembly. (DC

motor fixing plate)

5. Open the right side printer cover. Remove the dustproof cover from internal

rewinder spindle reserve hole.

6. Install the pillar to the printer. Please refer to the above fig.

Screws

Connector
(Blue)

33

7. Use wrench (No. 7) to fasten the pillar.

8. Remove 2 screws from the internal rewinder spindle.

9. Separate the internal rewinder spindle and shaft as picture above.

34

10. Put the bearing into the internal rewinder shaft hole. (Left side)

11. Put the bearing into the internal rewinder shaft hole then insert the gear shaft

into it.

12. Put the bearing (right side), felt fabric and gasket onto the shaft.

35

13. Insert the internal rewinder spindle to the shaft and fasten the screw.

Note: The spindle screw hole must be in alignment with the screw hole on
rewinder shaft

14. Rotate the spindle 180 degrees and fasten the other screw at the internal

rewinder spindle.

15. Use the screw (#2) to fasten the gear into the pillar by slotted screwdriver.

Note: Turn the gear to confirm that it works with internal rewinder gear.

36

16. Install 2 copper pillars to the DC motor fixing plate.

17. Place the two locating protrusions on the motor into the locating holes on the

fixing plate.

18. Make sure the protrusions are at lower position of locating holes.

37

19. Use 4 screws (#4) to fix the DC motor and sensor board on the plate. Use

screws (#3) to fix the DC motor control board on the copper pillars. Plug the DC
motor kit harness into the DC motor control board.

20. Use 3 screws to fasten the DC motor plate to the printer mechanism. Plug the

DC motor control board harness into the DC motor control board. (White
connector)

21. Remove 2 screws from multi-interface board to remove the multi-interface

board.

38

22. Connect the DC motor harness and the DC motor control board harness to main

board. Then, reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.

23. Loosen 4 screws to remove lower front panel and platen holder.

24. Use 2 screws to install the new platen holder (No.13) as indicated.

39

25. Plug the peel-off mini DIN cable connector into the peel-off connector and place

the cable in the cable cavity. The triangle mark on the connector must be at the
upper side.

26. Fasten 2 screws at the peel-off module to fix the peel-off module to the printer

mechanism.

40

3.14 Slot-in Wifi Housing Installation (Option)

1. Fix the WiFi module with machine screw M3*6/ button head screws. Tightening

torque: 5KG

2. Insert the housing board cable to the main board.

3. Please make sure the LCD flat cable (white) is fixed on front of printer by a label.

Pull the cable to left

41

4. TROUBLESHOOTING

4.1 Common Problems

The following guide lists the most common problems that might be encountered when
operating this bar code printer. If the printer still does not function after all suggested
solutions have been invoked, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor for assistance.

Problem

Possible Cause

Recovery Procedure

Power indicator does

not illuminate

* The power cord is not properly

connected.

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

Carriage Open

* The printer carriage is open.

* Please close the print carriage.

No Ribbon

* Running out of ribbon.
* The ribbon is installed incorrectly.

* Supply a new ribbon roll.
* Please refer to the steps in user’s manual to

reinstall the ribbon.

No Paper

* Running out of label.
* The label is installed incorrectly.
* Gap/black-mark sensor is not

calibrated.

* Supply a new label roll.
* Please refer to the steps in user’s manual to

reinstall the label roll.

* Calibrate the gap/black-mark sensor.

Paper Jam

* Gap/black-mark sensor is not set

properly.
* Make sure label size is set properly.
* Labels may be stuck inside the printer

mechanism.

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

UP: Fwd.

DOWN: Rev.

MENU: Exit

* Cutter jam.
* There is no cutter installed on the

printer.
* Cutter PCB is damaged.

* If the cutter module is installed, please press UP

or DOWN key to rotate the cutter up or down to

make the knife back to the right position.
* Remove the label.
* Make sure the thickness of label is less than

0.254 mm (10mil)

* Replace a cutter PCB.

42

Not Printing

* Cable is not well connected to serial or

USB interface or parallel port.
* The serial port cable pin configuration

is not pin to pin connected.

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

- Please replace the cable with pin to pin
connected.

- Check the baud rate setting. The default baud
rate setting of printer is 9600,n,8,1.

* If using the Ethernet cable,

- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector green
LED is lit on..

- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector amber
LED is blinking.

- Check if the printer gets the IP address when
using DHCP mode.

- Check if the IP address is correct when using
the static IP address.

- Wait a few seconds let the printer get the
communication with the server then check the
IP address setting again.

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

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

* Check if the stepping motor is plugging in the

right connector.

* Check your program if there is a command

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

Memory full

( FLASH / DRAM )

* The space of FLASH/DRAM is full.

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

DRAM is 2048 KB.
* The max. numbers of file of FLASH is 256 files.
* The max. user addressable memory space of

FLASH is 6656KB.

SD card is unable to

use

* SD card is damaged.
* SD card doesn’t insert correctly.
* Use the non-approved SD card

manufacturer.

* Use the supported capacity SD card.
* Insert the SD card again.
* The supported SD card spec.

- 128MB

- 256MB

- 512MB

- 1GB

- 4GB SDHC CLASS 6

* Approved SD card manufacturers; SanDisk,

Transcend

PS/2 port does not

work

* Did not turn off power prior to plug in

the PS/2 keyboard.
* PS/2 keyboard is damaged.
* PS/2 keyboard doesn’t plug-in

correctly.
* There is no BAS file in the printer.

* Turn off printer power prior to plug in the PS/2

keyboard .
* Plug the PS/2 keyboard again.
* Make sure the keyboard is fine.
* Make sure if there is any BAS file downloaded

into printer.

43

Poor Print Quality

* Ribbon and media is loaded incorrectly
* Dust or adhesive accumulation on the

printhead.
* Print density is not set properly.
* Printhead element is damaged.
* Ribbon and media are incompatible.
* The printhead pressure is not set

properly.

* Reload the supply.
* Clean the printhead.
* Clean the platen roller.
* Adjust the print density and print speed.
* Run printer self-test and check the printhead

test pattern if there is dot missing in the pattern.
* Change proper ribbon or proper label media.
* Adjust the printhead pressure adjustment knob.

- If the left side printout is too light, please adjust
the left side pressure adjustment knob to the
higher index (higher pressure). If the pressure
adjustment knob has been adjust to index “5”
and the poor print quality is still at the left side
of the printout, please adjust the pressure
adjustment knob to index “1” and use the
Z-axis adjustment knob to fine tune the
pressure.

- If the right side printout is too light, please
adjust the right side pressure adjustment knob
to the higher index (higher pressure) to
improve the print quality.

* If the label thickness is more than 0.22 mm, the

print quality might be not good enough, please
adjust the heater line adjustment screw counter
clockwise to get the best print quality.

* The release lever does not latch the printhead

properly.

LCD panel is dark and

keys are not working

* The cable between main PCB and LCD

panel is loose.

* Check if the cable between main PCB and LCD

is secured or not.

LCD panel is dark but

the LEDs are light

* The printer initialization is

unsuccessful.

* Turn OFF and ON the printer again.
* Initialize the printer.

LCD panel is dark and

LEDs are lit on, but
the label is feeding

forward

* The LCD panel harness connector is

loose.

* The LCD panel harness connector is plugged

upside down.

Ribbon encoder

sensor doesn’t work

* The ribbon encoder sensor connector

is loose.

* Fasten the connector.

Ribbon end sensor

doesn’t work

* The connector is loose.
* The ribbon sensor hole is covered with

dust.

* Check the connector.
* Clear the dust in the sensor hole by the blower.

Cutter is not working

* The connector is loose.

* Plug in the connect cable correctly.

Label feeding is not

stable (skew) when

printing

* The media guide does not touch the

edge of the media.

* If the label is moving to the right side, please

move the label guide to left.

* If the label is moving to the left side, please

move the label guide to right.

Skip labels when

printing

* Label size is not specified properly.
* Sensor sensitivity is not set properly.
* The media sensor is covered with dust.

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

Gap options.

* Clear the GAP/Black-mark sensor by blower.

The left side printout

position is incorrect

* Wrong label size setup.
* The parameter Shift X in LCD menu is

incorrect.

* Set the correct label size.
* Press [MENU]  [SELECT] x 3  [DOWN] x 5

 [SELECT] to fine tune the parameter of Shift
X.

44

Missing printing on

the left or right side of

label

* Wrong label size setup.

* Set the correct label size.

RTC time is incorrect

when reboot the

printer

* The battery has run down.

* Check if there is a battery on the main board.

Multi interface board

doesn’t work

* The installation is incorrect.

* Check if the board is plugged in the right

connector.

Power and Error LEDs

are blinking fast

* Power switch OFF and ON too fast.

* Turn off the printer and wait all LEDs are dark,

and turn on the printer again.

Wrinkle Problem

* Printhead pressure is incorrect.
* Ribbon installation is incorrect.
* Media installation is incorrect.
* Print density is incorrect.
* Media feeding is incorrect.

* Make sure the label guide touch the edge of the

media guide.

* Make sure label, paper core and ribbon are set

at the center of the spindle.

Gray line on the blank

label

* The printhaed is dirty.
* The platen roller is dirty.

* Clean the printhead.
* Clean the platen roller.

Irregular printing

* The printer is in Hex Dump mode.
* The RS-232 setting is incorrect.

* Turn off and on the printer to skip the dump

mode.

* Re-set the Rs-232 setting.

45

4.2 Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob

There are two conditions that will need to adjust the print head pressure.

1. Print with thick media
If media thickness is larger than 0.19 mm, the larger pressure is required to get good
quality printout.

2. Edge alignment media
The media alignment is designed at the left edge of mechanism to keep the
pressure balance between print head, media and ribbon.

There are 5 levels of pressure for adjustment. Level 1 is the minimum pressure and level 5 is
the maximum pressure.
For example, if the label width is 6”, adjust both print head pressure adjustment knobs to the
same level. If the label is less than 2” wide, increase the left side print head pressure by
rotating the adjustment knob clockwise and decrease the right side pressure by rotating the
adjustment knob counter-clockwise to level 1. If the left side print head adjustment knob
setting has been set to 5 (the highest pressure index) than increase the middle print head
pressure.
Please refer to the following pressure knob
adjustment recommendation.

6” width label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5

2” width label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

2 1 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 5 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 3 1 4 2

1

4 3 1 4 4 1 5 2 1 5 3 1 5 4 1 5 5

1

46

4.3 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles

This printer has been fully tested before delivery. There should be no ribbon wrinkle
presented on the media for general-purpose printing application. Ribbon wrinkle is related to
the media thickness, print head pressure balance, ribbon film characteristics, print darkness

setting…etc. In case the ribbon wrinkle happens, please follow the instructions below to

adjust the printer parts.

Adjustable

Printer

Parts

Symptom

1. Wrinkle happens from label lower left to
upper right direction (“ˊ”)

2. Wrinkle happens from label lower right to
upper left direction (“ˋ”)

Wrinkle

Example

Feed direction

47

Adjust the print head pressure adjustment knob

The print head pressure adjustment knob has 5
levels of settings. Clockwise direction adjustment
is to increase the print head pressure. Counter
Clockwise adjustment can decrease the print head
pressure.
If the wrinkle on the label starts from the lower left
side to upper right side, please do following
adjustment.

1. Decrease the right side print head pressure
adjustment knob setting 1 level per each
adjustment then print the label again to check if
wrinkle is gone.

2. If the right side print head adjustment knob
setting has been set to index 1 (the lowest
pressure index), please increase the left side
print head pressure.

3. If the left side print head adjustment knob
setting has been set to 5 (the highest pressure
index) the wrinkle can’t be avoided, please
increase the middle print head pressure knob.

4. If the wrinkle can’t be avoided, please refer to
next chapter to adjust the Z-axis mechanism
adjustment knob.

Pressure knob adjustment reference:

 6” label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

2 1 1

3 1 1

4 1 1 5 1 1 5 2 1 5 3

1

5 4 1

5 5 1

 3” label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

2 2 1 3 3 1 4 4 1 5 5

1

Adjust the print head pressure adjustment knob

The print head pressure adjustment knob has 5
levels of settings. Clockwise direction adjustment is
to increase the print head pressure. Counter
Clockwise adjustment can decrease the print head
pressure.
If the wrinkle on the label starts from the lower right
side to upper left side, please do following
adjustment.

1. Decrease the left side print head pressure
adjustment knob setting 1 level per each
adjustment then print the label again to check if
wrinkle is gone.

2. If the left side print head adjustment knob level
has been set to index 1 (the lowest index), please
increase the right side print head pressure.

3. If the right side print head adjustment knob setting
has been set to 5 (the highest pressure index) the
wrinkle can’t be avoid, please increase the middle
print head pressure knob.

4. If the wrinkle can’t be avoided, please refer to
next chapter to adjust the Z-axis mechanism
adjustment knob.

Pressure knob adjustment reference:

 6” label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 4 1 1

5

1 2 5

1 3 5 1 4 5 1 5 5

 3” label

Left index

Middle index

Right index

1 2 2

1 3 3

1 4 4

1 5 5

Left knob

Right knob

Middle knob

Middle knob

48

4.4 Z-axis Mechanism Adjustment Knob

For narrow media, If change the print head pressure adjustment knob setting can’t get the
printout without ribbon wrinkle, the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob should be adjusted
to get the satisfied printout. This Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob is used to fine tune the
right side pressure of print head. Before fine tune the print head right side pressure, please
set the pressure adjustment knob to index “1” then use use the Z-axis adjustment knob to
fine tune the right side print head pressure. Please refer to the adjustment steps as below.

1. Loosen the fixing nut to the top of knob. (Move the nut only.)

Factory default

Loosen the nut to the top

Z-axis mechanism
adjustment knob

Fixing nut

Indicator (The default
position is set at the lowest
line.)

49

2. Please be noted that print head right pressure find turn should be done by try-and-error.

Rotate the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob clockwise for a few degrees by
screwdriver and print again to check if the ribbon wrinkle remains. If the wrinkle still
remains, please turn the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob clockwise about 1/4 circle
each time for adjustment.

Marker position

Factory default position

In Z-axis mechanism adjustment
knob function position

3. Screw the fixing nut for fixed this print head pressure.

Fixing nut

50

5. MAINTENANCE

This session presents the clean tools and methods to maintain your printer.

1. Please use one of following material to clean the printer.

 Cotton swab (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

1. Turn the power off.

2. Rotate the platen roller and
wipe it thoroughly with 100%
ethanol and a cotton swab, or
lint-free cloth.

Clean the platen roller when changing
a new label roll

Sensor

Compressed air or vacuum

Monthly

Exterior

Wipe it with water-dampened
cloth

As needed

Interior

Brush or vacuum

As needed

51

Note:

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

it.

 Please use 100% Ethenol. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage the printer

head.

 Regularly clean the print head and supply sensors once change a new ribbon to keep

printer performance and extend printer life.

52

UPDATE HISTORY

Date

Content

Editor

2015/10/2

Add section 3.12 (Replacing the cutter driver IC board)

Camille

2015/10/21

Modify section 1.1 (Recommended SD card
specification)

Camille

2016/04/20

Add section 3.13 (Peel-off kit Installation) & 3.14 (Slot-in Wifi
Housing Installation (Option))

Kate

53

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: [email protected]

[email protected]

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.