Axiohm A630 User manual

AXIOHM
10, av Descartes
92350 Le Plessis Robinson
Tel : [phone] Fax : [phone]
www.axiohm.com
THERMAL PRINTING SOLUTIONS
A630/A631/A632 PRINTER SERIES
USER MANUAL
Reference 3106894 Issue F
May 2005

A630/A631/A632 Printer Series User Manual Page 2 / 63 Reference: FDE 3106894 Issue F
E
EV VO OL LU UT TI IO ON NS S
Date Issue Modifications
10/01 Z Creation
03/02 A General update
10/03 B Update : UL certification
10/03 C Update : CE certification information and Bluetooth
TM
; pages 7, 10 11 and 18
04/04 D Update : UL verification
07/04 E Modification of the Bluetooth
TM
password, page 24
03/05 F Up date: To add A632 version

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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the manual is to describe how to use the A630/A631/A632 thermal printer.
It also provides you with important information for safe printing
and for preventing problems and malfunctions.
Please read this manual before using the printer.

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C
CO ON NT TE EN NT TS S
1GENERAL OVERVIEW ......................................................................7
2TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................8
2.1 Summary of technical specifications.....................................................8
2.2 Physical specification............................................................................10
2.2.1 Dimensions.............................................................................10
2.2.2 Power supply specifications ...................................................10
2.2.3 A632 version...........................................................................12
2.3 Interface specifications.........................................................................12
2.4 Environmental specifications...............................................................12
2.4.1 Environmental conditions.......................................................12
2.4.2 EMI, ESD and Safety .............................................................12
2.4.2.1 CE FCC C-tick 14
2.4.2.2 Safety 15
2.5 Operational performance.....................................................................15
3SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER........................................................16
3.1 Getting ready to use the printer..........................................................16
3.1.1 Unpacking the printer.............................................................16
3.1.2 Description of printer parts.....................................................16
3.1.3 Buttons....................................................................................17
3.1.4 LED Indicator.........................................................................17
3.1.5 Cutter......................................................................................17
3.1.6 Connectors (Plugging and connecting your printer) ..............18
3.1.6.1 Installing the battery and connecting the interface
on portable version 18
3.1.6.2 Connecting the power supply and interface on portable
and desktop versions 19
3.1.6.3 Charging the battery (A631) 20
3.1.7 Mounting holes.......................................................................20
3.1.8 Sensors....................................................................................20
3.2 Choosing the proper location for your printer ..................................20
3.3 Loading paper.......................................................................................21
3.4 Light indicator.......................................................................................22
3.5 Connectors & cables.............................................................................22
3.5.1 Power connector.....................................................................22
3.5.2 Communications interface connectors ...................................22
3.5.2.1 RS232 Serial Interface 23
3.5.2.2 PC → Board Connections 23
3.5.2.3 Centronics Interface 24
3.5.2.4 A632 Version (automotive 12V) 25

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3.5.2.5 Centronics timing 26
3.5.2.6 Bluetooth
TM
interface 26
3.6 Self test description...............................................................................26
3.7 Configuration menu description .........................................................27
3.7.1 How to enter ...........................................................................27
3.7.2 How to move in the program..................................................27
3.7.3 How to adjust parameters.......................................................27
3.7.4 How to quit and save the program..........................................27
3.7.5 List of parameters that can be changed ..................................28
3.8 Drivers....................................................................................................29
4LIST OF CONTROL CODES............................................................30
4.1 Command Summary for Emulation compatible DP1000.................30
4.2 Command Summary for ESC/POS Emulation
(compatible WITH Epson).............................................................................31
5COMMAND DESCRIPTION.............................................................33
5.1 Command conventions.........................................................................33
5.2 Command Summary for Emulation compatible DP1000.................33
5.2.1 Reset commands.....................................................................33
5.2.2 Vertical positioning and print commands...............................33
5.2.3 Horizontal positioning commands..........................................35
5.2.4 Print characteristics commands..............................................35
5.2.5 Font commands.......................................................................37
5.2.6 Graphics commands ...............................................................37
5.3 Command Summary for ESC/POS Emulation
(compatible WITH Epson).............................................................................38
5.3.1 Reset commands.....................................................................38
5.3.2 Vertical positioning and print commands...............................39
5.3.3 Horizontal positioning commands..........................................40
5.3.4 Printer configuration...............................................................41
5.3.5 Print characteristics commands..............................................41
5.3.6 Font commands.......................................................................42
5.3.7 Graphics commands ...............................................................45
5.3.8 Printer Status ..........................................................................46
5.3.9 Bar code commands................................................................50
5.3.10 Flash Firmware Download Commands (RS232 and Bluetooth
TM
models only) ..........................................................................................52
5.3.10.1 Firmware Download Sequence 52
5.3.10.2 Commands 53
5.3.11 Configuration commands .......................................................55

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6STANDARD AND INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER SET .........58
6.1 Standard: Code Page 437 (modified with euro character
at position D5).................................................................................................58
6.2 Additional codes....................................................................................59
7TROUBLE SHOOTING .....................................................................60
7.1 Problems and solutions.........................................................................60
8CLEANING YOUR PRINTER...........................................................61
8.1 Cleaning the printer..............................................................................61
8.2 Cleaning the print head........................................................................61
9WARRANTY........................................................................................62
10 ACCESSORIES....................................................................................63

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1GENERAL OVERVIEW
The A630, A631 and A632 are versatile Clamshell
TM
(Easy paper loading) thermal printers, designed for
desktop or portable use.
The A632 version is a version dedicated to automotive applications (taxis...).
By following the guide lines in this manual and with careful handling, a long and reliable operating life
can be expected from these printers.
Please note that portable versions are provided with uncharged batteries for safety and storage reasons.
Main features:
International character set
Automatic power-off features
Self-test facility
Graphics
Reset command
Emulation Choice
Bar Code Printing
User defined character set

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2TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 Summary of technical specifications
ITEM VALUE UNITS
Printing method Static thermal dot line printing -
Paper loading Clamshell
TM
-
Number of resistor dots 384 -
Resolution 8 dots/mm
Printing width 48 mm
Printing speed 55 (desktop version) max
45 (portable version) max mm/s
Character Fonts 16 x 24 dots. (24 columns)
or 9 x 24 (40 columns) -
Paper width 58 ±0.1 mm
Paper bucket diameter 50 mm
Data Buffer 4 K bytes
Head temperature detection Thermistor -
Paper empty detection Opto-sensor -
Printer voltage range: A630/A631 9 VDC or 110/240 with power supply -
A632 10.6 to 16 V
Power consumption 23 VA
Power supply 110/240
50 - 60 V Hz
Maximum duty cycle
(in case of non-stop use) 1 sec. On, 6 sec. Off at 20° C 1 sec. On, 8 sec. Off at 50° C °C
Storage temperature range:
A630/A631
A632
-20 to 50
-20 to 70 °C
Operating temperature range 5 to 50 °C
Operating humidity 10 to 85 % RH (Non-Condensing)
Storage humidity 10 to 90 % RH (Non-Condensing)
Electrical life time 50 million head pulses per dot
Mechanical life time (abrasion) 50 Km
Over all
dimensions: Width
Depth
Height
108
147
72
mm
mm
mm
Weight ( Without paper roll ) 330 or 600 (with battery) g
Recommended paper TF50KSE3 -
Maximum paper thickness 80 µ
Interface RS232 Serial
Centronics Bluetooth
TM
-
Certification: EMI
Safety
CE; FCC; C-tick ; UL / cUL; Bluetooth
TM
UL / cUL; IEC 60950
-
-

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ITEM COMMENTS
Vibration:
Sinusoïdal vibration tests
The standard used for this test was : IEC68-2-6
5-9 Hz, 6 mm displacement
9-200 Hz, 1g of accélération.
1 octave / minute
12 cycles per axis
3 axes
Printer unpacked and operating
Random vibration tests
The standard used for this test was : IEC 68-2-36
5-200 Hz, DSP : 0.01 g2/Hz
200-500 Hz, DSP : 0.003 g2/Hz.
mean acceleration : 1.7 g
Duration : 30min per axis
3 axes
Printer unpacked and operating
Shake vibration tests
The standard used for this test was : IEC 68-2-29
Wave : half sinusoidal
Acceleration : 15 g
Duration : 6 ms / 500 buffets
6 axes (±OX, ±OY, ±OZ)

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2.2 Physical specification
2.2.1 Dimensions
Height 72 mm
Width 108 mm
Depth 147 mm
Weight (with cutter) 330 g
600 g (with battery)
2.2.2 Power supply specifications (A630 – A631 only)
1) Without Battery Pack
For desktop models, without batteries, a supply of 9 VDC is required.
The current rating of the supply will depend on the print duty (More black print - more current) but
typically a 9v supply at 2.5A will suffice for most applications.
To be connected to the printer
To be connected to the
power network. The
connector type depends
on the country.
-
+
Approximate length
: 1.8m
Approximate
length : 1.8m
37+/
-
1 mm
103 +/-1 mm
DC-Jack Female connector –
5.5mm external
2.5 mm internal
Centre positive.
Overall length 50mm
Barrel length approx. 11mm.
11mm
64 +/-1 mm

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Note : The power supply should be a “SELV” type in order to meet safety standards.
2) With Battery Pack
External, replaceable battery pack, AXIOHM reference 3106282 (Kit reference: 3106880).
Approximately 80m of text (25% pts on at 25°C) can be printed with a full battery.
It will take 1.30 hours (without printing) to totally charge the battery via the printer.
A optional power saving ("Power Mode") feature automatically switches the printer off when the interface
has not been used for 5 minutes period (Power mode = ON).
Caution : Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Specifications: Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable
Nominal Voltage 6.0 V
Rated Capacity 1200 mAh
Average Weight 182 g (6.4 oz.)
Maximum Volume 78 cm
3
( 4.8 in
.3
)
Terminals Flat
Operating Temperature Range -20 °C to +50 °C
(-4 °F to 122 °F )
Important : AXIOHM cannot guarantee the correct operation of the printer if another power supply is
used other than an AXIOHM power supply.
Remark: power supply 50 VA
•INPUT : 230 VAC 50Hz
•OUTPUT : 9VDC 2500mA
Regulations : CE UL CSA GS

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2.2.3 A632 version
The nominal voltage is 12V (operating range: 10.6V – 16V). To power the printer, use a cable able to
handle the max current value and protect the installation by using a 12V/10A max. fuse, suited for
automotive applications.
Note – Axiohm will not provide neither the cable nor the fuse.
2.3 Interface specifications
See chapter "Communications interface connectors".
2.4 Environmental specifications
2.4.1 Environmental conditions
Operating temperature: 5 to 50 °C
Storage temperature: A630/A631
A632 -20 to 50 °C
-20 to 70 °C
Maximum humidity: 10 to 90 % RH (non-condensing)
Vibration Details upon request : consult AXIOHM's Technical Support
Team.
Drop test The printer is packed.
1 meter on concrete
1 meter on wood
2.4.2 EMI, ESD and Safety
Conditions of acceptability:
EMI is measured using AXIOHM power supply adapter ref. 3106262. UL valid only if the proper power
supply (AXIOHM part n° 3106175) and the proper batteries (AXIOHM part n° 3106282) are used.
Note : The available replacement kits are:
ref. 3106935 A630/A631/A632 POWER SUPPLY KIT EU for the power supply
ref. 3106880 BATTERY KIT A631 for the batteries.
Safety recommendations : The power supply should be installed so it can be accessed in order to enable
power disconnection.
A630/A631 is designed to meet the requirements of:
CE
FCC
C-tick for Australia
UL / cUL
Bluetooth
TM
(These products are in conformity with the 1999-5-CE directives.

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A certificate of compliance is available upon request from Axiohm.)
A632: automotive “e” marking. European directive 95/54/CE

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2.4.2.1 CE FCC C-tick
Note for Class A products only : 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
reasonable 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 accordance 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 case the correction of the interference required will be at the user's expense.
Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by AXIOHM may cause, harmful interference and void the FCC authorization to operate this
equipment.
Concerning products:
A630Yxxx
A630/A631
FCC, CE Class A
A631Yxxx
Y = all versions except where the fifth digit is 2
A6302xxx
A630/A631
Bluetooth
TM
FCC Class B, CE Class B
A6312xxx
FCC ID : RKAA631BT
Information to the user, for Class B products only :
The United States Federal Communications Commission (in 47 CFR 15.105) has specified that the
following notice be brought to the attention of users of this product:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference's by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, helpful:
How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Use of a shielded cable is required to comply within Class B limits of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly
approved by AXIOHM may cause, harmful interference and void the FCC authorization to operate this
equipment.

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2.4.2.2 Safety
UL / cUL
This printer is to be powered by a SELV circuit only.
The communication connectors must be of SELV type only.
2.5 Operational performance
Paper specification
Paper width 58 mm
Maximum paper roll diameter 50 mm
(Maximum paper roll length) m (using 60gsm paper)
Recommended papers AXIOHM ref of KP 640
Emulsion (sensitive) side On outer side of roll
* You must contact AXIOHM if you wish to use an alternative type of paper; otherwise your warranty
might not be valid and you could cause damage to your printer.

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3SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER
3.1 Getting ready to use the printer
3.1.1 Unpacking the printer
The printer comes in a plain cardboard carton with a reusable packing foam insert and separate pockets
for:
One printer
One set-up guide
One single 80m roll of thermal paper
One standard power supply (except A630/631xxxx - 500) for desktop versions
One power cable for connecting to the printer and to the power network, with appropriate
mains plug for the country of sale
One communication cable on portable versions
One battery on portable versions
The model number and serial number (including manufacturing week and batch number) of the printer will
be marked on the exterior of the packaging.
Make sure that no parts are missing or damaged. Report any deficiency to your supplier as soon as
possible after receiving the printer. The original packaging material should be kept to transport or return
your printer, if necessary.
3.1.2 Description of printer parts
The A630 / A631 are complete printers designed with the Clamshell
TM
easy paper loading system.
A631 are portable versions, but can be used while connected to a power supply for battery charging.
Paper feed button
" ON-OFF "
button
Tear bar
for paper cutting
Opening Cover
Finger recesses
to open cover

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Rubber boot
It can be added to protect your printer for portable applications (A631). This protection is designed to be
easily attached to the user belt.
3.1.3 Buttons
Off
Paper feed
3.1.4 LED Indicator
Power On
Error
3.1.5 Cutter
Tear bar cutter

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3.1.6 Connectors (Plugging and connecting your printer)
Note : Connecting the interface is not applicable for Bluetooth
TM
versions.
3.1.6.1 Installing the battery and connecting the interface on portable version
The battery is set underneath the printer as shown here after and clipped to the printer: push to clip, pull to
unclip.
A locating pin will prevent you from inserting the battery in the wrong direction.
If you feel any resistance when trying to clip the battery into place, verify that it is in the proper direction.
If not, turn the battery and try again.
Take care not to apply too much pressure while inserting the battery, as you might break the locating pin.
Set your interface cable at the rear of the printer to the connector shown here after.
contacts
set & clip
Connection for
RS232
communication
cable

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3.1.6.2 Connecting the power supply and interface on portable and desktop versions
To be connected to the printer
To be connected to the
po wer netw ork. T he
connector type depends
on the country.
-
+
A pproxim ate length
: 1.8m
A pproxim ate
length : 1.8m
Safety recommendation : The power supply should be installed so it can be accessed in order to enable
power disconnection.
Desktop version:
Connect the interface
cable with the DB25
connector

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3.1.6.3 Charging the battery (A631)
When the battery is low, the green led flashes slowly. The printer stops when the battery is empty.
The charge begins when the printer is connected to the power supply: the green led flashes rapidly. When
fully charged, it stops automatically (charging time is about 1h 30 min).
Recommendation:
Never try to re-charge a full battery, you could damage it.
The charge cannot start if the cover is open or if there is no paper in the printer (red led
flashing).
When not using the printer for more than 24 h, unclip the battery from the printer. This will
prevent the battery from discharging.
Printing while charging the battery is possible, but the charge stops while printing
3.1.7 Mounting holes
Two (2) holes based underneath the printer under the rubber feet.
3.1.8 Sensors
The A630/A631 printer is fitted with two (2) sensors, which detect abnormal conditions:
Door-closed sensor:
End-of-paper (EOP) sensor:
3.2 Choosing the proper location for your printer
The A630/A631 printer may be used in a variety of applications; but, to maintain optimum working
conditions from your unit, the following recommendations should be followed:
Avoid dirty or dusty locations, the risk of water exposure, excessive heat or humidity
(temperature from 5 to 50°C for operating or -20 to 50 for storage) and mechanical stress.
Choose a stable level base on which to place the printer.
Make sufficient space around the printer to ensure comfort while using your printer,
including sufficient access to open the lid while changing paper.
It is recommended to avoid mechanical vibrations