Axiohm APOS PRINTER SERIES User manual

AXIOHM
1, rue d'Arcueil, BP 820
92542 MONTROUGE CEDEX, FRANCE
Tel : [phone], Fax : [phone]
THERMAL PRINTING SOLUTIONS
APOS PRINTER SERIES
8 dots/mm
USER MANUAL
Reference 3107082 Issue Z
October - 2002

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E
EV VO OL LU UT TI IO ON NS S
Date Issue Modifications
10/02 Z Creation

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C
CO ON NT TE EN NT TS S
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION........................................................... 4
2 SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 5
2.1 Physical specification............................................................................. 5
2.1.1 Dimensions ............................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Print specification......................................................................5
2.1.3 Power supply ............................................................................5
2.2 Environmental specifications ................................................................6
2.2.1 Environmental conditions..........................................................6
2.2.2 EMI and Safety Standards Applied...........................................6
2.3 Operational performance ....................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Data hold up.............................................................................. 7
2.3.2 Paper specification ...................................................................7
2.3.3 Speed........................................................................................ 7
2.3.4 Lifetime ..................................................................................... 7
2.4 Warranty...................................................................................................8
2.5 Order Codes ............................................................................................9
3 YOUR PRINTER ........................................................................ 10
3.1 Getting ready to use the printer ..........................................................10
3.1.1 Unpacking the printer.............................................................. 10
3.1.2 Description of printer parts......................................................10
3.1.3 Buttons....................................................................................10
3.1.4 Indicator ..................................................................................10
3.1.5 Cutter ......................................................................................11
3.1.6 Connectors.............................................................................. 11
3.1.7 Cable traps.............................................................................. 11
3.1.8 Mounting holes........................................................................ 11
3.1.9 Sensors................................................................................... 11
3.2 Choosing the proper location for your printer...................................12
3.3 Loading paper .......................................................................................12
3.4 Light indicator .......................................................................................12
3.5 Connectors & cables ............................................................................12
3.5.1 Power connector.....................................................................12
3.5.2 Communications interface connectors ...................................13
3.5.3 Drawer kick-out connector ...................................................... 14
3.6 Configuration of the switches .............................................................15
3.6.1 RS232 mode ........................................................................... 15
3.6.2 Centronics mode.....................................................................15
3.7 Self test ..................................................................................................15

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4 TROUBLE SHOOTING .............................................................. 16
5 CLEANING YOUR PRINTER..................................................... 17
5.1 Cleaning the printer ..............................................................................17
5.2 Cleaning the print head ........................................................................17
6 PRINTER CONTROL SOFTWARE............................................ 18
6.1 Commands.............................................................................................19
7 SPARES ................................................................................... 38

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1GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This set-up guide describes how to set up and operate the high-speed, thermal, point-of-sale (POS) printer
manufactured by Axiohm SARL. The printer has many features, which give advantages to retailers, and is
versatile enough to be used in other applications such as for printing out tickets and coupons.
Axiohm’s unique and patented paper-loading mechanism makes this printer the easiest-to-use POS printer
on the market. The fixed-head thermal printer engine gives a very high quality print.
An untrained operator can change the roll of paper quickly and reliably, minimizing downtimes and
avoiding paper jams. There are no messy ribbons to change, so good print quality can be ‘designed-in’
without operator skills or regular maintenance.
The printer uses Axiohm’s proprietary thick-film technology to achieve the longest-life print heads on the
market, as well as the longest-life cutter with the optional patented semi-rotating ceramic cutter.
As part of the total ‘easy-to-use’ philosophy, the printer uses a super-set of industry-standard software to
allow for easy installation. The existing software needs no modification and is ready to use.
The APOS printer will accurately print many barcodes, it allows custom characters to be downloaded and
it can execute macro functions.
Interfaces offered: RS232 for greatest compatibility
Centronics parallel version.
Paper feed
On / Off
Opening cover
Finger recess
to open cover
Paper exit

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2SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 Physical specification
2.1.1 Dimensions
Height 115mm
Width 170mm
Depth 205mm
Weight (with cutter) 1390 g
2.1.2 Print specification
The APOS printer uses a fixed-head thermal print head designed and manufactured by Axiohm, using
proprietary thick-film techniques to ensure the highest performance.
Print head type: Thermal line
Printing width: 72 mm
Number of dots across width: 576
Resolution (dot-density): 8 dots / mm
A 12 x 24 (48 columns)
Character fonts
B 7 x 17 (64 columns)
2.1.3 Power supply
The printer requires a power supply of 24V at 2A minimum. Other voltages, which are required internally
for the micro controller and the communications ports, are generated internally from the 24V supply.
Specification:
Output voltage: 24 VDC (no load)
Output current: 2.0 A mean continuously
10 A peak during 4ms max (pulse cycle =30ms)

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2.2 Environmental specifications
2.2.1 Environmental conditions
Operating temperature: 0°C - +50°C
Storage temperature: -40°C - +70°C
Maximum humidity: 90% RH (non-condensing)
2.2.2 EMI and Safety Standards Applied
Europe CE marking:
Directive: 89/336/EEC
EN55022 Class A
Safety Standard: EN 60950
North American EMI: FCC/ICES-003 Class A
Safety Standards: UL60950: 2000
cUL60950: 2000

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2.3 Operational performance
2.3.1 Data hold up
A backup capacitor is fitted to the APOS printer to hold up RAM data for a minimum of 1.5 hrs after
losing external power. This means that all downloaded fonts, logos and bitmaps will be retained for the
data hold up period. However, the context of the printer is not saved, which means that the printer will
revert to its initial state when power is returned.
2.3.2 Paper specification
Paper width 80mm
Maximum paper roll diameter 80mm
(Maximum paper roll length) 82m (using 60gsm paper)
Recommended papers AXIOHM ref 3101123
KANZAKI F380
Emulsion (sensitive) side On outside 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.
2.3.3 Speed
The printer is capable of printing at a maximum speed of 60mm/s with 40% of the dots on (during 40% of
the time), provided that sufficient power supply current is available (See section 2.1.3 about power supply
requirements). The printer can achieve a speed of approximately 50mm/s when printing simple text using
the standard 2A power supply unit.
The actual speed can also be affected by the data rate at which information is sent to the printer over the
communication link. Sending large amounts of graphic data could reduce the actual speed.
2.3.4 Lifetime
The printer lifetime depends on the actual operating conditions and is defined by the MTBF of the
electronics and the wear characteristics of the electromechanical parts. The actual lifetime will therefore be
the minimum of the following three categories, depending on the particular application:
• Electronic MTBF of 40,000 hrs of powered use
• 90km of paper used by the printer (with typically 15% of the dots heated)
• One million cuts from the ceramic cutter mechanism.

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2.4 Warranty
The printers or spare parts are guaranteed for a period of 6 (six) months, beginning at the delivery date (ex-
works).
The printers are guaranteed against defective material and/or workmanship. The warranty covers only, and
at AXIOHM’s choice, the cost of repair or replacement by AXIOHM in its factory, after restitution by the
customer of the printers or spare parts confirmed by AXIOHM to be defective (excluding assembling,
dismounting, shipping and other expenses).
The implementation of the warranty will not extend the warranty period.
Due to the complexity of the electronic and mechanical techniques used in the operation of such a printer,
AXIOHM does not warranty problems resulting from an installation not according to the published
specifications.
This warranty is subject to strict compliance with AXIOHM’s technical instructions for installation, use
and maintenance.
In particular, this warranty will not be valid for any defects due to:
Use of thermal paper other than those recommended by AXIOHM.
Incorrect maintenance.
Defective installation or modification not approved by AXIOHM.
Non-compliance, during any period, with the specified working conditions including the
electrical power supply specifications.
Abnormal wear or mechanical damage, including dot burning due to power overloads.
Transportation in packaging other than the type of carton / foam insert in which the printer
was originally packed.
Any transportation, storage or setting up which does not comply with the technical specifications given to
the customer by AXIOHM, or its official distributor, will invalidate this warranty.
In no event shall AXIOHM assume any liability in excess of that defined above. It is agreed that AXIOHM
will not be liable for any indemnity for accidents to persons, damage to property or for loss of earnings.

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2.5 Order Codes
The APOS printer is available in many variants. The table below shows the valid product codes that are
used to describe each version.
The APOS part number is made up of 8 digits thus:
Power Supply : E = Europe
G = Great Britain
Cutter
X1 = 1 : No cutter fitted
X1 = Y : With cutter
Interface
X2 = 2 : RS232
X2 = C : Centronics
0
APOS < x1> < x2> 0 E
Example
APOSY2OG: printer supplied for use in Great Britain, with a cutter and an RS232 interface.
Note: Axiohm can supply custom versions of the APOS printer to suit specific applications.
In this case, the product code will be APOSSxxx, where Sstands for customized and xxx is a
chronological serial number starting at S000 defining the special version.

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3YOUR 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 APOS printer
One set-up guide
One single 80m roll of thermal paper
One standard power supply with 24V power lead (optional)
One 1.8 m CEE22 power cable, with appropriate mains plug for the country of sale
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 APOS printer contains a patented easy-loading printer mechanism designed and manufactured by
Axiohm. This mechanism consists of a main cavity into which a paper roll is dropped for loading. The
thermal print head is in front of this cavity and a rubber roller is attached to the lid of the mechanism.
When the lid is closed, the paper is trapped between the rubber roller and the print head to give close
alignment and consistent pressure.
3.1.3 Buttons
The APOS printer has two buttons on the front panel:
The ON/OFF button is physically connected to the hard reset on the main controller board. Even when it is
OFF, the printer is always powered.
The Paper Feed button’s normal function is to advance paper when the unit is not printing. The button
function may be disabled under software control and it can be used to control the action of a defined
macro. This button also activates a self-test printout (see section 2.7).
3.1.4 Indicator
A rectangular green LED is used to indicate the basic status of the printer. The LED is “off” when the
printer is off, and “on” under normal circumstances when the printer is on. It will flash when there is an
“error condition” such as when it is out of paper.

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3.1.5 Cutter
The printer may be fitted with Axiohm’s patented semi-rotating ceramic cutter. It is split with one blade in
the lower cavity and the other fitted to the lid. These blades are also correctly aligned when the lid is closed
to make paper loading very easy and jam-free. Partial cuts or full cuts are possible under software control.
3.1.6 Connectors
The APOS printer can have up to 3 types of connectors:
Power connector: fitted to the base of the unit near the front. (See section 2.5.1 for detail)
Interface connector: fitted to the base of the unit closer to the rear; a 9-pin D-type in the case of serial
communication RS232, or a 25-pin D-type in the case of parallel communications (Centronics option).
(See section 2.5.2 for detail)
Drawer kick-out connectors (two): fitted at the rear of the printer. These appear as a pair of RJ11
connectors. (See section 2.5.3 for details)
3.1.7 Cable traps
Three clips are fitted into the base of the printer; they may be used to trap the power supply and interface
cables into recessed channels in the base.
3.1.8 Mounting holes
There are two holes in the base of the printer that allow the printer to be attached to a vertical surface such
as a wall or pillar. In this case, the printer should be mounted with the paper exiting from the top so that the
roll does not fall out when opening the cover.
3.1.9 Sensors
The APOS printer is fitted with three sensors, which detect abnormal conditions:
Door-closed sensor: a micro-switch sensor. To avoid damaging the print head, when the door is open,
printing is inhibited.
End-of-paper (EOP) sensor: detects the presence of paper near the print head. To avoid damaging the print
head, when no paper is detected, printing is inhibited.
Cutter sensor: used to detect if the cutter is in its home position before commencing a cut, and on
completion of a cut.

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3.2 Choosing the proper location for your printer
The APOS printer may be installed 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, or those with excessive heat or humidity
Choose a stable level base or solid wall on which to mount 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.
3.3 Loading paper
It is extremely easy to load a new paper roll into the printer by following these simple steps:
Open the cover and remove the old paper core;
Drop the new roll into the reservoir so that it will rotate in the correct direction (i.e. so that the
emulsion side of the paper rests against the print head)
Hold the front edge of the paper outside the main cavity at the front of the printer
Close the printer cover
3.4 Light indicator
When the light is on continuously, the printer is ready to operate.
When the light is flashing, this signals that an error has occurred.
3.5 Connectors & cables
To reduce the electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility, all cables should be screened. If you are not
using cables supplied by Axiohm for this purpose, please ensure that your cables match the printer and are
rated at the appropriate voltage and current capacities.
*Use of an inappropriate cable may seriously damage your printer!
3.5.1 Power connector
The connector is a shielded 6-pin female mini-Din plug.
Pins 1, 3 &5:
Pins 2, 4 & 6:
Shield:
GND
24V
EARTH
12
3
4
56

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3.5.2 Communications interface connectors
RS232 interface uses 9-pin D-type male connectors
Centronics interface uses a 25-pin D-type female connector.
RS232 Connector
Cable for DTR/DSR protocol
male DB9 connector
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
:1
:2
:3
:4
:5
:6
:7
:8
:9
N/C
RXD
TXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
N/C
N/C
RXD
TXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
N/C
male DB9 connecto
r
12345
6789
CONNECTOR VIEW
Note: RTS/CTS should be tied together if using DOS print commands on a PC station.
Centronics Connector
CONNECTOR VIEW
PINOUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Strobe'
Data bit 0
Data bit 1
Data bit 2
Data bit 3
Data bit 4
Data bit 5
Data bit 6
Data bit 7
12345678 910111213
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Ack'
Busy
Paper Out'
Pulled to Vcc
n/c
Pulled to Vcc
Reset'
n/c
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd
Gnd

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3.5.3 Drawer kick-out connector
The connector used to open a cash drawer and monitor, whether the drawer is opened or closed, is a 6-pin
modular RJ11 connector.
CONNECTOR VIEW PINOUT
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
Frame ground
Solenoid 1 (-ve)
Switch (+ve)
Solenoid Common (+ve)
Solenoid 2 (-ve)
Switch (-ve)
1234 65
10k
4
5
1
2
3
6
SW
5V
S1
S2
24V
(1A max)
Drawer open /
closed switch
S1S2
Drawer-release
solenoids
PRINTER CASH DRAWER

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3.6 Configuration of the switches
Respect the following procedure in order to set the switches:
Switch the printer off
Set the switches as requested (see tables below)
Switch the printer on
3.6.1 RS232 mode
Switches 1,2,3 and 6 are used to define functions. Switches 4 and 5 are used to set the data transmission
speed (see Annex B1 for RS232 timing).
Switch ON OFF
1 XON/XOFF control DTR/DSR
2 No Parity Parity
3 Odd parity Even parity
6 (not used) (not used)
Switch numbers 4 and 5 are used to define the baud rate as follows:
Baud rate Switch 4 Switch 5
4800 OFF OFF
9600 ON OFF
19200 OFF ON
38400 ON ON
3.6.2 Centronics mode
All switches should be set OFF for printers equipped with Centronics connectors.
3.7 Self test
A self-test is obtained by pressing the paper feed button during a reset (power up or pressing on/off
button). On entering the self-test mode, the printer checks its internal hardware and prints a report with the
following information:
product reference and software version
serial number
whether a cutter is fitted or not
what type of interface is fitted
switch settings (but not for Centronics versions)
address of printer (RS485 versions)
print density adjustment setting (set via software)
internal RAM status

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4TROUBLE SHOOTING
Problem Possible Causes and What to Do
a) Printer Problems:
Light is off. Check that the power-supply and cables connections are
properly connected.
Light is continuously on, but
printer does not operate.
Check to see if the interface cable is properly connected.
Light is flashing. Check that the cover is closed properly.
Open the cover and make sure that there is paper left in the
printer.
Open the cover and check that there is no paper jam; if so,
unwind the paper until there are no more wrinkles and close the
cover with the wrinkled part out.
Printer does not function when
turned on.
Check that the printer cables are properly connected on both
ends.
Check that the host or power supply is getting power.
Check that the receipt cover is fully closed.
b) LED Problems:
You may be out of paper; put in a new paper roll.
Cover off; put the cover on.
Knife is unable to home; contact your authorized service
representative.
Print head is too hot; printing will resume when head cools.
Slow continuous flashing.
Out of range voltages.
c) Printing Problems:
Printing quality is deteriorating Print head may be getting dirty; see ”Cleaning your Printer”.
Colored stripe on the receipt. Paper is low; change the paper roll.
Receipt does not come out all the
way.
Printer starts to print, but stops
while the receipt is being printed.
Receipt is not cut.
Paper is jammed; open the receipt cover, inspect the knife and
remove any jammed paper.
Check that the paper is loaded properly.
The print head is dirty; use recommended thermal receipt paper.
Print is light or spotty.
Variations in paper; increase print density in “Set Hardware
Options” of printer Configuration Menu as needed.
Vertical column of print is
missing.
Serious printer electronics problem; contact your authorized
service representative.
One side of receipt is missing. Serious printer electronics problem; contact your authorized
service representative.

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5CLEANING YOUR PRINTER
The APOS printer is a highly reliable unit, which requires very little maintenance but may benefit from
cleaning as described in the next sections.
Before cleaning, unplug all electrical connections.
5.1 Cleaning the printer
Keep the external surfaces clean by wiping with a lightly damp cloth. Make sure that the inside surfaces
are kept dry at all times, and that the external surfaces are thoroughly dry before re-connecting.
5.2 Cleaning the print head
Depending of the environment in which the printer is used, the print head may accumulate dust. Therefore
it is necessary to clean it periodically in order to maintain a good print quality. The cleaning period
depends on the environment and the usage of the printer, but it should be cleaned at least once a year or up
to once a month in heavy-duty applications. The print head should always be cleaned immediately if the
print becomes visibly fainter due to contamination of the print head.
To clean the print head:
Switch the printer off.
Never clean the head immediately after printing, it may still be hot.
Open the cover of the printer and remove the roll of paper.
Clean the heating dots of the head with a cotton stick and a little alcohol solvent (ethanol,
methanol or IPA), but do not touch the print head with you fingers!
Allow the solvent to dry
Reload the paper and close the cover

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6PRINTER CONTROL SOFTWARE
Control codes are non-printable characters or sequences of characters, which affect the subsequent
operation of the printer. For your convenience, they are grouped below in logical sets of commands, which
can be used in the same context.
Throughout the following descriptions of the commands you will note that three special codes are used to
cause the printer to interpret the following byte or bytes as part of a command and not as printable
characters. These codes are:
Code Name Dec. value Hex. value
ESC Escape 27 1B General “escape sequence” commands
GS Graphic Sequence 29 1D Often used for special graphic commands
AX Axiohm 31 1F Special commands for the APOS printer
FS KANJI sequence 28 1C General Kanji commands
The general command syntax is as follows:
Command
(Description) Name and description of the command
(Format) The code sequence to be sent to the printer.
<nnh> is used to represent the hexadecimal number nn
<nn> is used to represent the decimal number nn
[ ] k is used when the sequence included in [ ] must be repeated k times
(Comments) Additional information such as range allowed for the numbers or default values
(Cross
reference)
Related commands

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6.1 Commands
ESC =
(Description) Select device
(Format) <1Bh> <3Dh> <n>
(Comments) It allows the user to select a printer.
If n = 0 all the printers are deselected.
If n = 1 to 32, the printer with address #n s selected, all the other printers are
deselected.
If n = 33 all the printers are selected.
The default value is n =1
(Cross reference) –
AX P
(Description) Adjust print density
(Format) <1Fh> <50h> <n>
(Comments) This command allows the user to vary the print density by adjusting the
heating time between -32% and +10% of the nominal setting in 0.25% steps.
The percentage variation %is given by
∆%= (n - 128) / 4
0 <= n <= 168
(Cross reference) –
ESC v
(Description) Send printer status byte
(Format) <1Bh> <76h>
(Comments) The printer will transmit a single byte, which reflects the status of the printer
in accordance with the table below.
This command is ignored if the printer is fitted with a Centronics interface
because Centronics is not bi-directional.
(Cross reference) –
Bit Function bit = 0 bit = 1
0(unused) - -
1Door open Close Open
2Paper Present Out
3(unused) - -
4(unused) - -
5(unused) - -
6(unused) - -
7Cutter failure No Yes