Argox R Series User manual

R-Series Technical Manual Rev. 1.02 November 24, 2008
Argox Information Co., Ltd.
R-Series Technical Manual
Rev. 1.02

R-Series Technical Manual Rev. 1.02 November 24, 2008
Argox Information Co., Ltd. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
R-Series Technical Manual...........................................................................................................1
1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................4
1.1 Scope.................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Printer description .............................................................................................................4
1.3 Related manuals ................................................................................................................4
2. PRINTER SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................................5
2.1 Printing..............................................................................................................................5
2.2 Fonts..................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Bar code.............................................................................................................................6
2.4 Media.................................................................................................................................6
2.5 Electrical and operating environment ...............................................................................7
2.6 Physical dimension............................................................................................................7
2.7 Agency list.........................................................................................................................7
2.8 Communication interface..................................................................................................7
2.9 Communication specifications..........................................................................................8
2.10 The difference between R- Series and R-xxxK Series....................................................9
3. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS.........................................................................................10
3.1 Front Panel ......................................................................................................................10
3.2 Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................11
4. OPTIONS.................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Cutter mechanism............................................................................................................13
4.2 FONT module..................................................................................................................14
4.3 Dispenser.........................................................................................................................14
4.4 RTC module ....................................................................................................................14
5. SETUP AND DIAGNOSTIC..................................................................................................15
5.1 Inlet power voltage and grounding..................................................................................15
5.2 Performing the self test ...................................................................................................15
5.3 Calibration.......................................................................................................................18
5.4 Printer reset .....................................................................................................................19
6. ADJUSTMENTS .....................................................................................................................20
6.1 Media sensor position adjustment...................................................................................20
7. OPTIONAL PARTS INSTALLATIONS...............................................................................21
7.1 Cutter Installation............................................................................................................21
7.2 Dispenser Installation......................................................................................................24
8. FIRMWARE UPGRADING...................................................................................................26
8.1 Upgrade Utility and Diskette...........................................................................................26
8.2 Upgrade through Printer Utility ......................................................................................29

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8.3 ROM files (R-200/R-200K, R-400/R-400K, and R-600) ...............................................31
8.4 Upgrade Firmware by Add-On Card (R-400plus/R-400Kplus Only).............................32
8.5 Verification......................................................................................................................32
9. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLE SHOOTING ...............................................................33
9.1 Printer status indication...................................................................................................33
9.2 Trouble Shooting.............................................................................................................34
9.3 Clearance.........................................................................................................................38
9.4 Replacement....................................................................................................................39
10. OPERATIONAL THEROREM...........................................................................................41
10.1 System block diagram...................................................................................................41
10.2 Panel board block diagram and description ..................................................................47
10.3 Sensor board diagram and description ..........................................................................47
10.4 Wiring diagram..............................................................................................................48
11. RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS.....................................................................................50
12. ASSEMBLY DRAWING.......................................................................................................51

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1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual contains the information necessary for the proper maintenance Refine series label
printers of ARGOX. Most of the information included relates to hardware and mechanical parts.
1.2 Printer description
The ARGOX R-Series printer is a high-performance low-cost direct thermal and thermal transfer
label printer. Its user-friendly design and affordable price set new standard for the heavy-duty
label printer in retail, office and industrial applications.
The printer is designed with the most efficient memory management technology- True Speed,
prints up to 4 inches/second for R-200/R-200Kand R-600; 6 inches/second for R-400/R-400K
and R-400plus/R-400Kplus. When bundled with its smart printer driver, the user can easily print
a label by using any Windows applications, e.g. Microsoft Word, ArgoBar, Codesoft, Bar Tender,
Nicelabel under Windows XP/2000/98/95, Me, and NT. All popular bar codes and fonts are
resident in the printer memory to handle versatile application.
The solidly designed mechanism allows quick and easy media and ribbon loading. The optional
dispenser and cutter provide the alternatives of fan-fold label and continuous media handling.
1.3 Related manuals
User’s manual (Part No. 49-R4002-003).
Programmer’s manual.

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2. PRINTER SPECIFICATION
2.1 Printing
R-200 R-200K R-400 R-400K
Type
Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Resolution
203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)
Max print width
4.25” (108mm) 4.25”(108mm)
Max print length
8” (203mm) 43” (1066mm)
Max print speed
4”(102mm) per second 6” (152mm) per second
Memory
512K bytes DRAM 2M bytes DRAM
Ribbon
Inside coating ribbon Outside coating ribbon Inside coating ribbon Outside coating ribbon
Emulation
PPLB PPLA and PPLB
R-400plus R-400Kplus R-600
Type
Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Resolution
203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm) 300 dots (12 dots/mm)
Max print width
4.25” (108mm) 4.16”(104mm)
Max print length
43” (1066mm) 30” (762mm)
Max print speed
6”(152mm) per second 4” (102mm) per second
Memory
2M bytes DRAM
Ribbon
Inside coating ribbon Outside coating ribbon Inside coating ribbon
Emulation
PPLA, PPLB and PPLZ PPLA and PPLB
2.2 Fonts
Text fonts:
Printer Programming Language A (R-400/R-400K, R-400plus/R-400Kplus, and
R-600):
Courier (including PC set, Legal, ECMA94 and Roman-8), 7 alphanumeric fonts,
OCR-A/B, ASD smooth font. All fonts sizes are expandable by 24x24 (Refer to
the programmer’s manual).
Printer Programming Language B (R-200/R-200K, R-400/R-400K,
R-400plus/R-400Kplus, and R-600):
5 alphanumeric fonts. All fonts sizes are expandable by 24x24. (Refer to the
programmer’s manual).

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Printer Programming Language Z (R-400plus/R-400Kplus):
15 internal bitmap fonts (including OCR A/B and SYMBOL) and one scalable
font (CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed). (Refer to the programmer’s manual).
Character rotation: 0, 90, 180 and 270 degree, 4-direction rotation.
2.3 Bar code
Bar code type:
Printer Programming Language A:
Code39, Code93, Code128/subset A, B and C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPC
A/E/2 and 5 add-on, EAN 13/8, UCC/EAN-128, UCC/EAN-128 Random Weight,
Postnet, Plessey, HIBC, Telepen, FIM. MaxiCode, PDF-417, Data matrix.
Printer Programming Language B:
Code39, Code93, Code128/subset A, B and C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPC
A/E/2 and 5 add-on, EAN 13/8, UCC/EAN-128, Postnet, Matrix 2 of 5,
Code-128UCC, PDF-417 and MaxiCode.
Printer Programming Language Z:
Code11, Interleave 2 of 5, Code39, Code93, EAN 13/8, UPCA/E, Code128/subset
A, B and C, Industrial 2 of 5, Standard 2 of 5, Codabar, UPC/EAN Extensions,
MSI, Plessey, PostNet, PDF-417, MaxiCode, DataMatrix, and QR code.
2.4 Media
Media type:
Thermal direct:
Direct thermal paper or vinyl, visible light and infrared scannable label, tag stock,
butt cut or die cut, with various adhesives.
Thermal transfer:
All above media, plus thermal transfer paper and tags, butt cut or die cut with
various adhesives.

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Max label roll diameter: 6” (152mm) outside diameter.
Label indexing: Black stripe and gap.
2.5 Electrical and operating environment
Electrical (R-200/R-200K):
19V AC, 50~60Hz.
4 Amps
Electrical (R-400/R-400K, R-400plus/R-400Kplus and R-600):
90V AC to 250V AC, 50~60Hz.
2 Amps/110V AC, 1 Amps/220V AC.
Environment: Operation 40°~140(4°~38), 10~90% non condensing.
Storage -40~140(-4°~60)
2.6 Physical dimension
Weight: 8.41bs(3.85kg) ~ 9.31lbs(4.2kg).
Size: W12.4” x D9.1” x H8.6” (W314 x H231 x L218mm).
2.7 Agency list
CE, FCC class A, CCC, UL and CUL.
2.8 Communication interface
Serial interface: RS-232 serial (1200~38400BPS), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Parallel interface: Centronics parallel port.
USB interface: USB 2.0 Full Speed (R-400plus/R-400Kplus only).

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2.9 Communication specifications
Argox R-Series Label printers send and receive messages through serial, parallel or USB
(R-400plus only) communication interface. Printer checks each interface for incoming message
automatically.
2.9.1 Serial interface specification
The serial interface of R-Series printer is a standard RS-232C port with standard 9-pin
(DB9-S) connector located at the rear of the printer. The baud rate is user selectable by
sending command to the printer. Data bit number can be set as 7/8 data bits one/no parity
for both sending and receiving.
Figure 2-1
Pin No. Direction Description
1
Shorted to Pin – 6
2
IN RxD
3
OUT TxD
4
N.C.
5
GROUND
6
Shorted to Pin – 1
7
OUT RTS
8
IN CTS
9
OUT +5V
Table 2-1 Pin assignment and description of serial port
For recommended connection details between host and printer, please refer to the
user’s manual (Part No. 49-R4002-003).
2.9.2 Parallel interface specification
The parallel interface of the R-Series printer is standard Centronics port with standard
36-pin connector located at the rear of the printer. A standard parallel cable can be
used for the interconnection between the host controller and the R series label printer.

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Pin No. Direction Description Pin No. Direction Description
1
IN /STROBE 13 OUT SELECT
2
IN DATA1 14, 15 ---- N.C.
3
IN DATA2 16 OUT CROUND
4
IN DATA3 17 OUT CROUND
5
IN DATA4 18 ---- N.C.
6
IN DATA5 19~30 OUT GROUND
7
IN DATA6 31 ---- N.C.
8
IN DATA7 32 OUT /FAULT
9
IN DATA8 33~36 ---- N.C.
10
OUT /ACK
11
OUT BUSY
12
OUT PE
Table 2-2 Pin assignment and description of parallel port
2.9.3 USB Interface specification
This port complies with USB 2.0 Full Speed (R-400plus/R-400Kplus only).
Pin Signal Description
1
VBUS +3.3V
2
D- Differential data signaling pair-
3
D+ Differential data signaling pair+
4
GND
Table 2-3 Pin assignment and description of USB port
2.10 The difference between R- Series and R-xxxK Series
R-200, R-400, and R-400plus use BUSH-RIBBON (Part No. 42-R4023-001) for inside coating
ribbon.
R-200K, R-400K, and R-400Kplus use BUSH-RIBBON WHITE (Part No. 42-R4023-011) for
outside coating ribbon.

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3. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Figure 3-1
3.1 Front Panel
READY indicator
The READY indicator remains ON when the AC power switch is at ON position except the
following conditions:
Receiving data from host.
Out of ribbon, out of media, canceling a print job or printer fault.
MEDIA indicator
The MEDIA indicator will remain ON under normal operation. It will start blinking to
indicate:
The printer is out of media or fails to detect the gap of media.
The printer is at PAUSE state.
RIBBON indicator
When command of thermal transfer is sending to the printer, the RIBBON indicator is ON
for the normal operation and the Blinking indicates the printer is out of ribbon.
Top Cover
Power Switch

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When direct thermal command is sent to the printer, the RIBBON indicator is OFF and the
printer will ignore ribbon detection during printing.
FEED Button
The FEED button forces the printer to feed one label when printer is in idle (not printing) or
in PAUSE state.
Holding down the FEED button then turning on the power switch, the printer will perform a
self-test and a configuration report will be printed.
PAUSE Button
The PAUSE button stops and restarts the printing process in normal operation. If the
PAUSE button is pressed while printing is in progress, the printing stops once current label
is completed. Press this button again to restart the printing.
Holding down the PAUSE button then turning ON the power switch, the printer will
perform the media sensor calibration.
CANCEL Button
The CANCEL button interrupts and deletes the current printing job. If an error occurs,
pressing this button to cancel the error indication.
Holding down the CANCEL button then turning on the power switch, the printer will
perform a system reset, all the parameters which are stored in EEPROM will be reset to
factory default settings.
3.2 Rear Panel
Centronics connector (parallel port)
For parallel port connection. Mostly it is connected to the printer port of a PC.
RS232 connector (serial port)
For serial port connection. Mostly it is connected to the COM port of a PC.
Power switch
Controls application of AC power to printer. Turning the printer ON while holding down
certain front panel button will cause the printer to perform the self test, calibration or
system reset. The power should be turned OFF to connect or disconnect any internal cable.

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Power Jack (R-200/R-200K)
To connect the power plug from the power adaptor.
Warning:
To protect the power, prevent the power jack from touching the Centronic’s hooks.
AC power socket (R-400/R-400K, R-400plus/R-400Kplus, and R-600)
For AC power connection.
USB connector (USB port)
Connector for USB application. Usually, it is connected to the USB port of a PC (R-400
plus/R-400Kplus only).
Figure 3-2 Rear panel of R-400plus/R-400Kplus
Figure 3-3 Rear panel of R-200/R-200K
AC Electrical Outlet
Power socket
RS232 Serial Port
Parallel Port
USB
Power switch
Parallel Port RS232 Serial Port
Power adaptor
Power Jack

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4. OPTIONS
4.1 Cutter mechanism
Optional A2 cutter, which is available for cutting label, tags or tickets, was refined into the new
type, A2+ cutter. Firmwares of all A-series label printers have been phased in A2+ cutter as the
default type of cutter.
A2 Cutter A2+ Cutter
Firmware Version (PPLA) Firmware Version (PPLA)
R-400 /
R-400K
… R2A0-4.01
122204
R2A0-4.02
051105 R2A0-5.00
051806
…
R-400plus/
R-400kplus
— — — …
R-600
… R3A0-3.02
041405
R3A0-3.03
021606
R3A0-3.04
060906 …
Table 4-1
A2 Cutter A2+ Cutter
Firmware Version (PPLB) Firmware Version (PPLB)
R-200/
R-200K
— R1B0-1.00
042005
R1B0-1.01
110605
R1B0-1.02
051506 …
R-400 /
R-400K
… R2B0-3.06
062905
R2B0-3.07
111505 R2B0-4.00
052606
…
R-400plus/
R-400kplus
— — — …
R-600
… R3B0-3.05
092005
R3B0-3.06
022806
R3B0-3.07
060806 …
Table 4-2
A2 Cutter A2+ Cutter
Firmware Version (PPLZ) Firmware Version (PPLZ)
R-400plus/
R-400kplus
… R2Z0-1.01
051804
R2Z0-1.02
122605
R2Z0-2.00
052506 …
Table 4-3
Default
Type
Printer
Default
Type
Printer
Default
Type
Printer

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To use A2 cutter with printer firmware of R-400/R-400K and R-400plus/R-400Kplus, which has
been phased in A2+ cutter, users can send the command <ESC>KIT to adjust the rotational angle
of A2 cutter to avoid frequently label stuck and cutter jammed, or downgrade the firmware to the
former version (ex. R2B0-3.07).
Syntax <ESC>KITm
Parameter m: cutter delay time, a binary byte.
m = 0x00 for A2+ cutter (default).
m = 0x01 ~ 0xFF for A2 cutter (0x1E is recommended).
4.2 FONT module
Font module is used to store special fonts such as Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese,
Korean and Japanese
4.3 Dispenser
Dispenser provides the automatic peel-off function.
4.4 RTC module
The RTC module consists of two major components. A Real Time Clock with battery back-up &
a on-board flash memory. The RTC module provides function to enable the user to print time &
date messages on the label. The on-board flash memory can be used as permanent data storage
such as downloaded forms, graphics and true type fonts.

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5. SETUP AND DIAGNOSTIC
5.1 Inlet power voltage and grounding
The R-Series printer is designed for both 110V AC and 220V AC outlet. The line voltage should
not lower than 90V AC or higher than 250V AC and the printer should be connected to a
properly grounded receptacle.
5.2 Performing the self test
Once the printer is first installed, a self-test should be performed. To perform the self-test, please
follow the procedure:
1. Turn off the power.
2. Load the media and ribbon properly.
3. Press and hold the FEED button then turn on the power.
4. Release the FEED button after printer starts to print.
5. The configuration report will be printed out as Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2.
6. To return the printer to normal operation, please turn the power OFF and ON again or
press the CANCEL button for one second, otherwise the printer will enter dump mode,
all input data will not be interpreted.
Contents and information of R-Series “Self Test Label” are as the following:
1. Printer programming language and version information
The printer programming language, firmware version and date information are listed
on the first line of the report.
2. RS-232 Protocols
It contains data frame of RS-232 interface: baud rate, parity, data bit number, and stop
bit number.
3. Standard RAM size
This message shows standard RAM size in the printer.
4. Available RAM size
This message shows available memory can be used to hold the downloadable graphics,

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forms and soft fonts.
5. Code Page
This message shows symbol set of the font.
6. Print Mode
It is either Thermal Transfer mode or Direct Thermal mode.
7. Reflective Sensor
This message shows the media sensor type.
8. Label Count
This message shows the number of labels printed.
9. Accumulated Print Length
It keeps the length printed in meters. With this, you may check the print head warranty.
The value will not be reset even you replace the print head or any components. It is
changed only when the main board is replaced.
10. Flash On Board
This message shows the size of on-board flash.
11. Checksum
Used to check the firmware flash is correct or not. It should be ‘0000’.
12. H. Position Adjust
This message shows horizontal shift position.
13. LAB LEN (TOP to TOP)
Label length (Including gap height).
14. Media Sensor Level
This message shows the sensitivity of the media sensor.
15. Font Image
Used to check internal fonts are correct or not.
16. Speed
Printing speed setting.

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17. Expansion RAM
This message shows expansion RAM size in the printer.
18. No. Of DL Soft Fonts
This message shows the number of soft fonts downloaded in the printer.
Figure 5-1 R-400 Self-test pattern
Figure 5-2 R-200 Self-test pattern
1
2
3
4
6
8
5
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

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5.3 Calibration
After the first time of installation, the printer media is changed, or the media sensor board is
replaced, the media sensor calibration must be performed.
1. Load the media (and ribbon for thermal transfer printing) properly.
2. Move the media sensor to proper position.
3. Press and hold down the PAUSE button then turn on the power switch.
During the media calibration, 6 inches of media will be fed out. MEDIA indicator will be
blinking for a few seconds during calibration is proceeding. Then turn on printer again after the
calibration is completed. Without the proper calibration, the gap detection will not stable
especially for the small labels and special media.
After the calibration, all the related parameters will be stored in the EEPROM, which is located
on Main Board.
Note:
After the first time of installation or the media type is changed, this procedure must be carried out. Failing to do it,
the media-empty and media-gap detection might be incorrect.
Figure 5-3
Media
Sensor

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5.4 Printer reset
The procedure of resetting the printer:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the CANCEL button then turn on the printer.
3. Release the CANCEL button when RIBBON indicator blinks for three times and
READY indicator blinks for on time.
The following parameters will be reset to the default value:
Label parameters.
Printing darkness.
Printing speed.
Symbol set.
Others for specific emulation.

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6. ADJUSTMENTS
6.1 Media sensor position adjustment
The media sensor senses either the gap between labels or a hole or notch in the media to
determine the position and length of the label or ticked stock.
When using label with gap, user can position the sensor anywhere in side the gap. But when
using media with notch or hole, it may be necessary to reposition the media sensor.
1. Open the print head module.
2. Load the media properly.
3. Adjust the sensor by moving the media sensor adjustment lever left or right.
4. Close the print head module and top cover.
Figure 6-1