Page 1
TTP 243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Service Manual
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER
Page 2
i
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Table of Contents
1. FUNDAMENTALS ABOUT THE SYSTEM .................................................................. 1
1.1 Features of the TTP-243 Series ................................................................................. 1
1.2 Model Naming Syntax ................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Overview .................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 Front View ........................................................................................................... 2
1.3.2 Rear View ........................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Basic Specifications .................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Effective Print Area ..................................................................................................... 6
1.6 Available Bar Codes ................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Various Sensors ......................................................................................................... 7
2. SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................. 9
2.1 Types of Paper ........................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Specifications ............................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes ........................................................................................ 11
3. ELECTRONICS .............................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Summary of Board Connectors ................................................................................ 12
3.2 Pin Configuration ...................................................................................................... 14
4. MECHANISM .................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Mainboard Replacement ........................................................................................... 16
4.2 Cutter Installation (Option / Not available for TTP-243E Pro model) ......................... 20
4.3 Print Head Replacement .......................................................................................... 21
4.4 DC Motor Replacement ............................................................................................ 23
4.5 Ribbon Rewind Spindle Encoder Replacement ........................................................ 24
4.6 Felt Fabric Replacement .......................................................................................... 25
4.7 Stepping Motor Replacement ................................................................................... 27
4.8 Black Mark Sensor / Gap Sensor (Receiver) Replacement ...................................... 28
4.9 Ribbon Sensor (Receiver) Replacement ................................................................... 29
4.10 Ribbon Sensor (Transmitter) / Gap Sensor (Transmitter) Replacement ................. 31
Page 3
ii
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.11 Platen Replacement ............................................................................................... 32
5. TROUBLE SHOOTING ................................................................................................... 35
5.1 Trouble Shooting ...................................................................................................... 35
5.2 Calibrate the Gap Register ....................................................................................... 36
5.3 Self-test .................................................................................................................... 36
5.4 Ram Clear ................................................................................................................ 36
5.5 Diagnosis Operation Procedure ................................................................................ 36
5.6 Testing Sensors ....................................................................................................... 37
5.7 Cleaning the Print Head ........................................................................................... 38
Page 4
1
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1. FUNDAMENTALS ABOUT THE SYSTEM
1.1 Features of the TTP-243 Series
1. This bar code printer prints bar codes, characters, logos, on various types of labels and tickets
by direct thermal or thermal transfer printing.
2 This printer adopts a “BASIC-like” high level programming language to help users programme
the desired label forms with ease.
3. This bar code printer can be connected to a personal computer or an optional LCD keyboard to
execute the programs downloaded in the printer’s memory. The printer is equipped with the
following standard devices: black mark sensor, peel off module and real time clock.
4. This bar code printer provides a selection of optional features, including cutter module, memory
module, portable LCD keyboard, etc.
5. The user friendly labeling software package is bundled with printer.
1.2 Model Naming Syntax
T T P – 2 4 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(1) Print method:
TTP – Thermal Transfer Printing
TDP – Thermal Direct Printing
(2) Resolution of print head (DPI)
(3) Maximum print width (Inch)
(4) Maximum print speed (Inch/Sec)
Page 5
2
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.3 Overview
1.3.1 Front View
1. Cover Release Button
2. PWR., ON-LINE and ERR. Indicators
3. PAUSE Button
4. FEED Button
5. Label Dispense Opening
6. Liner Opening (For use with peel-off function/ Not available for 243E series
printer)
3
4
2
1 5 6
Page 6
3
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.3.2 Rear View
1. Power On/Off Switch
2. Power Supply DC Jacket
3. RS-232C Interface Connector
4. USB Interface Connector
5. Label Insert Opening (For use with external media)
6. Centronics Interface Connector (Factory option)
1
2 3 4
5
6
Page 7
4
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.4 Basic Specifications
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing
High dot density printing (243 Pro series: 203 dots/inch, 342 Pro series: 300 dots/inch)
Selectable print speeds at 1.5”, 2.0” or 3.0” per second (243 Pro series: 1.5, 2 and 3 ips /
342 Pro series: 1, 1.5 and 2 ips)
Supports RS-232 serial and USB interface (Factory option for RS-232 and Centronics
interface)
Maximum media width up to 4.49” (114 mm)
Adjustable label edge guide
International character sets
Print area：TTP-243 Pro/243E Pro：4.09” W x 90” L；TTP-342 Pro：4.09”W x 40”L (without any
file downloaded in the printer memory)
User selectable bar code ratios and heights
Prints on labels or tickets
Equipped with black mark sensor
Equipped with Real Time Clock (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Comes with self-peeling function (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Buzzer provided to warn of possible errors (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Label stock and thermal transfer ribbon are easy to install
Internal label print counter
Self test and hex dump mode
Downloadable fonts from label design software
Electronics/Communication Specifications
Electrical
DC Motor: DC24V
Memory:
─SDRAM: 8 Mb
─Flash: 4 Mb
Adapter 100~240VAC10%, 50~60Hz
Regulations: FCC Class A, CE Class A, C-Tick Class A, TÜ V/Safety, CCC
Communications Interface:
Serial port: RS-232C (DB-9) at 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200 baud rate
─Word Length: 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, selectable parity
─Handshaking: XON/XOFF and DSR/DTR
Parallel port: Standard parallel interface
Input Buffer: 64KB
RS-232 Interface Pin Configuration:
Page 8
5
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Host Function
9 Pin
25 Pin
9 Pin
Printer Function
1 +5V
RxD
2 3 2 TxD
TxD
3 2 3 RxD
DTR
4
20 4
DSR
GND
5 7 5 GND
DSR
6 6 6 RDY
RTS
7 4 7 N/C
CTS
8 5 8 RDY
9
+5V
Page 9
6
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.5 Effective Print Area
Label/Ticket Length
12mm~2286mm
Effective Print
Length
10mm~2284mm
Label/Ticket Width
25mm~103mm
Effective Print Width
23mm~101mm
No Print Area
1mm
1.6 Available Bar Codes
1D bar code
Code 39, Code 93, Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A.B.C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5,
EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI,
PLESSEY, POSTNET, RSS-Stacked, RSS14, Code 11, China Post
2D bar code
PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec
Page 10
7
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.7 Various Sensors
Feed Gap Sensor
The feed gap sensor detects a label gap to locate the starting print position of the next
label. The sensor is mounted 4 mm off the center line of the main mechanism.
.
In case of Label
Black Mark Sensor
The black mark sensor locates the position of label by emitting infrared rays onto the
black mark at the back of the ticket. The sensor is mounted 5.75 mm off the center line of
the ticket roll width on the mechanism.
Page 11
8
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
In case of Ticket
The default sensor position is (1) as shown on the figure below. To change to the (2)
position, the customer should notify the manufacturer in advance. There can be only one
position for the sensor. Once the sensor position is agreed upon, it can not be changed
afterwards.
Ribbon End Sensor
The sensor detects the end portion of the ribbon. The ribbon end must be transparent.
Label End Sensor
The sensor detects the end portion of the label.
Peel off Sensor
The sensor detects the backing paper of a label.
Ribbon encoder
The encoder is used to detect if the ribbon is broken.
Page 12
9
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
2. SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 Types of Paper
Two types of media are available for TTP-243: label and ticket.
In TTP-243, there are two types of sensors for paper: gap sensor and black mark sensor.
Label and ticket can be further classified into direct thermal type or thermal transfer type.
2.2 Specifications
Items
Label
Paper Width
Max.114mm
Min. 25mm
Length (Pitch)
12～2286mm
Paper
Thickness
0.20 mm
Paper Weight
Max 240 g/m2
Max. Roll
Diameter
(1” core)
Inner roll diameter. Max 4.3” (110mm)
External roll diameter. Max 8.4”
(214mm)
Roll Up Method
Print surface wound outside as
standard
Paper Core ID.
25.7±0.3mm
Note:
(1). The width and thickness quoted above are said of the label plus its backing paper.
(2). Likewise, the approval of label entails that of its backing paper.
(3). In the peel off mode, the minimum pitch is 35mm.
(4). In the cutter mode, it is required the paper be wound outside. Otherwise, paper jam
tends to result.
(5). In the cutter mode, the paper thickness is 0.2 mm at maximum, and the paper weight is
100 g/m2 at maximum.
(6). Paper shape is as shown on next page.
(7) Tag is 0.2mm in thickness, and is less than 100g/m2 in weight.
Page 13
10
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Page 14
11
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
2.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes
Item
Specifications
Ribbon shape
Spool type
Ribbon width
Max. 110mm
Min. 40mm
Ribbon winding width
Max. 110mm
Min. 40mm
Leading tape
Polyester film, 3355mm long
End tape
Polyester film (transparent), 2505mm
long
Max. ribbon OD.
67mm
Winding method
Ink surface to be wound outside
Note: The maximum length of ribbon depends on its thickness and core outside diameter.
The formula below defines the correlation between ribbon roll length and ribbon core
diameter.
t4
)d(D
= L
22
, where
L = Ribbon length
D = Max. roll diameter
d = Ribbon core outside diameter
t = Ribbon thickness
Page 15
12
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3. ELECTRONICS
3.1 Summary of Board Connectors
Main board
Connector
Description
Remark
1
Ribbon sensor connector
JP18
2
Black mark sensor connector
JP46
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
Power
5V
2
Black mark
sensor receiver
No paper or black mark : 3.1~3.2V
Detect paper: 0~0.3V
3
GND
0V
1
2
3
9
7
12
8
4
10
13
5
14
11
6
15
16
17
Page 16
13
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3
Gap sensor connector
JP53
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
GND
0V
2
Gap sensor emitter
Emitter on : 0.7~1.8V
Emitter off: 2.4~2.7V
3
Power
5V 4 GND
0V
5
Gap sensor receiver
No paper or gap: 3.1~3.2V
Detect paper: 0~0.3V
6
Power
5V
4
Ribbon encoder sensor & DC motor connector
JP37
5
Stepping motor connector
JP14
6
Print head connector
JP49
7
SD memory card module connector
JP44
8
Micro processor
U2
9
Power switch
SW2
10
Power supply output (24V DC) connector
B3
11
RS-232C connector
JP7
12
Centronics port connector (Option)
JP4
13
USB connector
JP9
14
Push button connector
JP52
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
LED green (PWR)
LED light on: 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
2
LED green (ONLINE)
LED light on: 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
3
LED red (ERR)
LED light on : 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
4
Pause switch
0V: Push key
3.3V: Stand-by
5
Feed switch
0V: Push key
3.3V: Stand-by
6
GND
0V
15
Cutter /peel-off sensor connector (Option for TTP-243/342 Pro, not
available for TTP-243E Pro)
JP48
16
Head open sensor connector
JP16
17
RTC Battery (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
BT1
Page 17
14
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3.2 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
Function
1
Strobe
N/A
In
A low on this line indicates that there are valid data
at the host. When this pin is de-asserted, the +ve
clock edge should be used to shift the data into the
device.
2-9
Data 0-7
N/A
In
Data Bus. Single-directional.
10
Ack
N/A
Out
A low on this line indicates that there are valid data
at the Device. When this pin is de-asserted, the
+ve clock edge should be used to shift the data into
the host.
11
Busy
N/A
Out
When in reverse direction, a high indicates data,
while a low indicates a command cycle. In forward
direction, it functions as PtrBusy.
12
Paper Out /
End
N/A
Out
When low, device acknowledges reverse request.
13
Select
N/A
Out
Extensibility flag
14
Ground
N/A
GND
15
No Defined
N/A
N/A
16-17
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
18
No Defined
N/A
N/A
19-30
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
31
No Defined
N/A
N/A
32
Error / Fault
N/A
Out
A low set by the device indicates that the reverse
data is available
Page 18
15
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
33-35
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
36
No Defined
N/A
N/A
Page 19
16
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4. MECHANISM
4.1 Mainboard Replacement
1. Turn off the printer power.
2. Remove the power cord and RS-232 and/or USB cable.
3. Open the top cover of the printer.
4. Remove the printer front panel.
Remove the front cover
in the direction of the arrows
5. Remove the two screws and the metal cover.
Remove the screws
and metal cover
Screws
Metal Cover
Page 20
17
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
6. Release the cable tie and remove the peel-off sensor connector. (Not available for TTP-243E Pro
model)
Cable tie and peel-off sensor connector
7. Remove the screws on the lower left and lower right corners of main mechanism.
Remove the screws in the lower left, lower
right corners of the main mechanism.
Cable Tie
Peel-Off Sensor
Connector
Cutter Connector
Page 21
18
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
8. Remove the four screws of the internal label roll mount.
Fig. 3.18 Remove screws of the label roll mount
9. Move the mechanism about 5 mm in the label feed direction.
10. Take out the internal label roll mount and remove the connector.
Take out the internal label roll
mount and remove the connector
Ground Wire
Push Button
Connector
Page 22
19
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
11. Remove the screw of ground wire on the mainboard.
12. Remove all connectors on the mainboard.
13. Take out the mechanism.
14. Remove the rest three screws on the mainboard.
Upper-Left, Upper-Right, Lower-Right Corner Screw
15. Replace the mainboard.
16. Reassemble the mechanism and internal label roll mount in the reverse procedures of the
removal.
Page 23
20
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.2 Cutter Installation (Option / Not available for TTP-243E Pro model)
1. Turn off the printer power.
2. Open the top cover of the printer.
3. Remove the printer front panel slowly and carefully. (Cf. 4.1 section)
4. Remove the two screws and the metal cover. (Cf. 4.1 section)
5. Release the cable tie and remove the peel-off sensor connector. (Cf. 4.1 section)
6. Remove the peel-off sensor connector.
7. Plug in the cutter connector.
8. Insert the right and left side flange of cutter into the slot.
Cutter Installation
9. Fasten the cutter from the bottom of the printer with the provided screw.
10. Make sure no screws or other parts are left in the printer.
11. Reassemble the mechanism and internal label roll mount in the reverse procedures of the
removal.
Right Flange
Left Flange
Page 24
21
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.3 Print Head Replacement
1. Turn off the printer power.
2. Remove the RS-232 cable and power cord.
3. Open the top cover.
4. Remove the ribbon and label roll.
5. Open the print carriage.
6. Remove the screw at the top front center of the mechanism, as shown.
The Print Head Screw
7. Disconnect the print head cable.
Printhead and the Cable
Print Head
Connector
Key of the
Connector
Print Head
Cable
Page 25
22
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Note: The key of connector must be positioned upward.
Do not touch the elements of the print head.
Do not disassemble the print head.
8. Tidy up the cable so that it does not protrude or interfere with the ribbon.
9. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 26
23
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.4 DC Motor Replacement
1. Turn off the printer power.
2. Remove the power cord and RS-232 and/or parallel port cable.
3. Open the top cover of the printer.
4. Remove the printer front panel. (Cf. 4.1 section)
5. Remove the two screws and the metal cover. (Cf. 4.1 section)
6. Release the cable tie and remove the peel-off sensor connector. (Cf. 4.1 section)
7. Remove the screw on the PCB of peel-off and cutter connector.
8. Remove the screws in the lower left, lower right corners of the main mechanism. (Cf. 4.1 section)
9. Remove all four screws of the internal label roll mount. (Cf. 4.1 section)
10. Move the mechanism in the label feed direction about 5 mm.
11. Take out the internal label roll mount and remove connector JP52. (Cf. 4.1 section)
12. Remove the screw of ground wire on the mainboard.
13. Remove all connectors on the mainboard.
14. Take out the mechanism.
15. Remove the cable tie.
16. Remove the three screws on DC motor fixture.
DC Motor Fixture
17. Remove the two screws used to fix DC motor on the fixture.
18. Replace the DC motor and pull out the cables in connector JP37.
Note: The colors of DC motor wires in connector JP37 are yellow (outside) and green
(inside).
19. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of the removal.
DC Motor
Fixture
Page 27
24
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.5 Ribbon Rewind Spindle Encoder Replacement
The encoder is installed on the gear box of DC motor, and is used to detect if the ribbon is
unerringly rewound by the spindle. The encoder is connected to JP37 on the mainboard.
Please switch the printer to thermal transfer mode. The multi-meter is used to measure
the voltage of Pin2 (+5V). If the voltage changes continuously from 0 to 5 volts DC, the
encoder is in condition. Otherwise, please follow the steps below to replace the encoder
PCB
1. Follow directions in Section 4.4 to remove DC motor and DC motor fixture.
DC Motor Encoder
2. Remove the two flat tap screws and cable tie.
3. Replace the Encoder PCB.
4. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 28
25
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.6 Felt Fabric Replacement
Felt Fabric is located in the ribbon supply spindle. It is used to tighten the ribbon to
prevent it from getting wrinkled during printing. If the ribbon can not be tightened when
label back feeds during printing, please replace with a new felt to secure the best printing
quality. Follow the steps below to replace the felt fabric.
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.4 to remove DC motor and DC motor fixture.
2. Remove the E-ring and washer on ribbon supply spindle.
Components of the
Ribbon Supply Spindle
3. Remove the spring cover, compression spring and spring holder.
4. Remove the spring, felt clutch and felt fabric.
5. Replace with a new felt.
Side View of the
Ribbon Supply Spindle Assembly
E Ring
Washer
Spring Cover
Compression
Spring
Spring Holder
Spring
Felt Clutch
Felt Fabric
Page 29
26
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
6. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Front View of the
Ribbon Supply Spindle
Page 30
27
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.7 Stepping Motor Replacement
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.1 to remove all the connectors on mainboard.
2. Take out the mechanism.
3. Remove the two screws of the stepping motor.
Stepping Motor
4. Replace the stepping motor and reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 31
28
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.8 Black Mark Sensor / Gap Sensor (Receiver) Replacement
Black mark sensor is reflection type sensor. It is connected to JP46 (3 pin connector). A
multi-meter is used to measure the signal of Pin2 to see if there is voltage variation when
black mark is detected. Before conducting the test, please issue the BLINE command first.
The printer will switch from gap sensor to black mark sensor. If there is no voltage
variation, please follow steps below to replace the black mark sensor / gap sensor
(receiver) PCB.
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.1 to remove all the connectors on mainboard.
2. Take out the mechanism.
3. Remove one flat tap screws and black mark sensor PCB.
Black Mark Sensor and Gap Receiver Sensor
4.Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 32
29
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.9 Ribbon Sensor (Receiver) Replacement
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.1 to remove all the connectors on mainboard.
2. Take out the mechanism.
3. Remove the screws, springs and spring bushing on both sides of the mechanism.
Spring Installation on Left Side and Right Side
Note: The left side spring and the right side spring are different in shape. The right
side spring has a straight end, when the left side spring has an end that is
curved 90 degrees.
4. The main mechanism is divided into upper mechanism and lower mechanism.
5. The ribbon sensor (receiver) is located in the upper mechanism.
6. Remove the screws on the ribbon sensor cover.
Ribbon Sensor Cover
Flat Tap Screw
Sensor Cover
Print Head
Page 33
30
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
7. Replace with a new ribbon sensor PCB.
Ribbon Sensor
8. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 34
31
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.10 Ribbon Sensor (Transmitter) / Gap Sensor (Transmitter) Replacement
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.1 to remove all the connectors on mainboard.
2. The ribbon sensor (transmitter) is located in the center of the lower mechanism.
Ribbon Sensor (Transmitter)
3. Remove the two flat tap screws.
4. Remove the cable tie and sensor PCB.
5. Replace with a new PCB. Reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 35
32
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.11 Platen Replacement
1. Follow the instructions in Section 4.7 to remove the two screws, stepping motor and stepping
motor cover.
2. Remove the E ring and two gears.
Location of E ring and Gears
3. Remove the E-ring and the printer carriage release lever on the left side of the mechanism.
4. Remove the E-ring and the printer carriage release lever arm.
Printer carriage release lever and E ring
Printer
Carriage
E Ring
Thermal Head
Bracket
Thermal Head
Gear #1
E Ring
Gear #2
Printer Carriage
Release lever arm
Page 36
33
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Printer carriage release lever arm and E ring
5. Remove the teflon tube and stripper rod.
Teflon tube and stripper rod
6. Remove the E ring, the right side and left side platen bushes.
7. Remove the stripper bar.
Remove E ring and platen bush
Teflon Tube
E Ring
Teflon Tube
Printer
Carriage
Release Lever
Stripper
Platen Bush
(Right Side)
E Ring
Platen Bush
(Left Side)
Page 37
34
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
8. Move the platen to the right of the mechanism.
9. Replace the platen and reassemble the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
Page 38
35
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
5. TROUBLE SHOOTING
5.1 Trouble Shooting
Problems
Solutions
1. Ribbon does not advance.
Check the printing mode setting and reset the
printer.
2. Poor print quality.
Clean the print head.
Adjust the print density setting.
3. Only prints diagonal pattern in the self-test.
Ribbon and paper are incompatible. Use a
different type of ribbon.
4. Power indicator light does not illuminate.
Check the connection of serial port cable.
5. On-line indicator light does not to illuminate.
Check the DIP switch setting and reset the
printer.
Check that power cord is properly connected.
6. Error indicator remains illuminated.
Out of paper or out of ribbon.
Check the DIP switch setting
Check the paper core, make sure it is installed
on the ribbon rewind spindle.
Press the FEED key. The error message will
be printed out on the print media or sent out
through RS-232 port.
If there is no problem with direct thermal
printing, but error occurs in thermal transfer
printing. Please check the encoder of the DC
motor.
Page 39
36
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
5.2 Calibrate the Gap Register
Install the label.
Turn on the printer power while pressing the PAUSE button. The printer will calibrate the
transparency of the backing paper and adjust the gap register.
5.3 Self-test
Install the label.
Turn on the printer power while pressing the FEED button, the printer will:
Print head checking pattern.
Calibrate the label length.
Print internal settings.
Initiate self-test.
Enter dump mode.
5.4 Ram Clear
Press the PAUSE and FEED button simultaneously for more than 3 seconds. The printer will
clear the memory and reset the printer.
Be sure to calibrate the gap register with blank label before printing.
5.5 Diagnosis Operation Procedure
When the power is turned on without any button pressed, self diagnosis is performed
automatically to test the available memory. If any error occurs during this period, the ERR
light will flash.
Do the self test and inspect the test pattern to check if the thermal head is available.
Page 40
37
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
5.6 Testing Sensors
A. Checking Ribbon Sensor
Switch the multimeter to the DC gear. Connect the black wire to DC GND, and the red
wire to PIN2 of JP18.
1. When ribbon is detected between TX and RX of the ribbon sensor, the measured
voltage should be 5 Vdc.
2. When ribbon is not detected between TX and RX of the ribbon sensor, the measured
voltage should be 0 Vdc.
The ribbon sensor is normal if the checking complies with the two cases above. Or else,
the ribbon sensor is out of order.
B. Checking DC Motor Encoder Sensor
Switch the multimeter to the DC gear. Connect the black wire to DC GND, and the red
wire to PIN4 of U35.
1. When gap of the gear box is detected by the DC motor encoder sensor, the measured
voltage should be 5 Vdc.
2. When gap of the gear box is not detected by the DC motor encoder sensor, the
measured voltage should be 0 Vdc.
The DC motor encoder sensor is normal if the checking complies with the two cases
above. Or else, the DC motor encoder sensor is out of order.
C. Checking Black Line Sensor
Switch the multimeter to the DC gear. Connect the black wire to DC GND, and the red
wire to PIN2 of U2. Load black line label on the printer.
1. When black line is detected by the black line sensor, the measured voltage should
be 3 Vdc.
2. When black line is not detected by the black line sensor, the measured voltage
should be 0 Vdc.
The black line sensor is normal if the checking complies with the two cases above. Or
else, the black line sensor is out of order.
Page 41
38
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
5.7 Cleaning the Print Head
The printer should be cleaned regularly to retain high quality and optimum performance.
The greater the usage of the printer, the more frequent the cleaning.
Always turn off the printer before cleaning the print head. Allow the printhead to cool for a minimum
of one minute.
1. Open the printer cover.
2. Open the printer carriage by pulling up the release lever to the left of the front rubber roller.
3. Remove the ribbon and label.
4. Clean the print head element with a head cleaner pen or use a cotton swab and 100% ethanol to
clean the print head surface.
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.
Page 42
39
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Update History
Date
Content
Editor
2011/1/25
Modify TSC address
Camille
2011/4/7
Modify section 3.2
Camille
Page 43
Corporate Headquarters Li Ze Plant
9F., No.95, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist., No.35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Township,
New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yilan County 26841, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
TEL: +886-2-2218-6789 TEL: +886-3-990-6677
FAX: +886-2-2218-5678 FAX: +886-3-990-5577
Web site: www.tscprinters.com
E-mail: [email protected]
TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
Loading...