BIXOLON SLP-TX400 User manual

User's Manual
Label Printer
Rev. 1.02
SLP-TX400 / TX400E
SLP-TX403 / TX403E
http://www.bixolon.com

Rev. 1.02
- 2 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
■Table of Contents
※Manual Information & Usage Precautions ..................................................................3
1. Content Confirmation....................................................................................................7
2. Product Part Names.......................................................................................................8
3. Installation & Usage.....................................................................................................10
3-1 Power Connection ....................................................................................................10
3-2 Interface Cable Connection......................................................................................11
3-3 Paper Installation......................................................................................................13
3-4 Ribbon Installation....................................................................................................14
3-5 LED Display..............................................................................................................18
3-6 Test printing ..............................................................................................................20
4. Self-Test........................................................................................................................21
5. Detailed features..........................................................................................................22
5-1 Printer setting using utility program...........................................................................22
5-2 Stand-alone Configuration Mode ..............................................................................23
5-3 Pause/Cancel ...........................................................................................................24
5-4 Media Calibration......................................................................................................25
5-5 Smart Media Detection.............................................................................................26
5-6 Gap Sensor Auto Calibration Mode ..........................................................................26
5-7 Black Mark SensorAuto Calibration Mode ...............................................................27
5-8 Manual Calibration Mode..........................................................................................28
5-9 Cover Closing Mode.................................................................................................29
5-10 Data Dump Mode....................................................................................................29
5-11 Factory Reset..........................................................................................................30
5-12 Firmware Download................................................................................................30
5-13 The Peel-Off ...........................................................................................................31
5-14 Using Fan-Fold Paper.............................................................................................33
5-15 Auto Cutter (SLP-TX40xC) .....................................................................................34
6. Cleaning Head..............................................................................................................35
6-1 Cleaning Head..........................................................................................................35
6-2 Cleaning Sensors, Roller or/and Paper Path............................................................36
7. Appendix.......................................................................................................................37
7-1 Specifications............................................................................................................37
7-2 Label Types ..............................................................................................................37

Rev. 1.02
- 3 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
■Manual Information
※Manual Information & Usage Precautions
This user manual contains basic information for product usage as well as for emergency
measures that may be required.
※The following separate manuals provide more detailed content on various technological
issues and areas.
1. Windows Driver Manual
This manual provides information on the installation instructions and main functions
of the Windows Driver.
2. Unified Label Printer Utility Manual
This manual provides information on the usage of software for function selection of
this product, operating condition modification, etc.
3. Programming (SLCS) Manual
This manual provides information on label printer commands.
4. True Font Downloader Manual
This manual provides information on the usage of the font downloader that can
download True Fonts and facilitate their usage as Device Fonts.
5. Ethernet interface Manual
This manual provides information on the configuration and usage of Ethernet
interface.
6. Label design program Manual
This manual provides information on the usage of the Windows PC program that can
make labels by adding text, graphics, or barcodes at desired positions.
We at BIXOLON maintain ongoing efforts to enhance and upgrade the functions and
quality of all our products. In following, product specifications and/or user manual content
may be changed without prior notice.

Rev. 1.02
- 4 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
■Safety Precautions
In using the present appliance, please keep the following safety regulations in order to
prevent any hazard or material damage.
WARNING
Violating following instructions can cause serious injury or death.
Do not bend the cable by force or leave it under any
heavy object.
•A damaged cable can cause a fire.
Do not plug in or unplug with your hands wet.
•You can be electrocuted.
Keep the plastic bag out of children’s reach.
•If not, a child may put the bag on his head.
Do not pull the cable to unplug.
•This can damage the cable, which is the origin of a fire or a
breakdown of the printer.
You must use only the supplied adapter.
•It is dangerous to use other adapters.
Do not plug several products in one multi-outlet.
•This can provoke over-heating and a fire.
•If the plug is wet or dirty, dry or wipe it before usage.
•If the plug does not fit perfectly with the outlet, do not plug in.
•Be sure to use only standardized multi-outlets.
PROHIBIT
ED
PROHIBIT
ED
PROHIBIT
ED
PROHIBIT
ED
PROHIBIT
ED
ONLY SUPPLIED ADAPTER
PROHIBIT
ED

Rev. 1.02
- 5 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
CAUTION
Violating following instructions can cause slight wound or damage the appliance .
Do not use the printer when it is out of order. This
can cause a fire or an electrocution.
•Switch off and unplug the printer before calling your dealer.
Do not let water or other foreign objects in the
printer.
•If this happened, switch off and unplug the printer before
calling your dealer.
Use only approved accessories and do not try to
disassemble, repair or remodel it for yourself.
•Call your dealer when you need these services.
•Do not touch the blade of auto cutter.
Install the printer on the stable surface.
•If the printer falls down, it can be broken and you can hurt
yourself.
Keep the desiccant out of children’s reach.
•If not, they may eat it.
If you observe a strange smoke, odor or noise from
the printer, unplug it before taking following
measures.
•Switch off the printer and unplug the set from the mains.
•After the disappearance of the smoke, call your dealer to
repair it.
TO UNPLUG
PROHIBIT
ED
DISASSEMBLING
PROHIBITED
PROHIBIT
ED
PROHIBIT
ED
TO UNPLUG
PRINTER
PRINTER
PRINTER
PRINTER
DEALER
PRINTER

Rev. 1.02
- 6 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
■Other Precautions
The copyright for this user manual and various other manuals is property of the BIXOLON
Co., Ltd. Any copying or conversion into electronic firm and saving of this material
without the express written permission of BIXOLON Co., Ltd. is strictly prohibited.
Use of the information contained in this manual is not subject to any patent liability. This
manual has been prepared with utmost care and attention to detail but may contain certain
errors and/or omissions.
BIXOLON Co., Ltd. is not legally liable for any damages resulting from the use of the
information in this manual.
BIXOLON Co., Ltd. and its affiliates are not legally liable (United States excluded) for any
damages, loss, costs, and/or expenses that result from the breakdown, malfunction, and/or
misuse of the product due to violation or neglect of the operation and maintenance
information and instructions provided by the BIXOLON Co., Ltd., as well as from the
unauthorized alteration, repair, and/or modification of the product by the user and/or third
party.
BIXOLON Co., Ltd. is not legally liable for any damages and/or issues resulting from the
use of options and/or parts that are not authentic BIXOLON products or authorized
products.
WARNING
Use of an unprotected interface cable with this printer conflicts with EMC standards.
Users should only use cables approved by BIXOLON.
■WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electric Equipment)
This mark shown on the product or its literature indicates that the
corresponding item should not be discarded at the end of its working life with
other household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment or
human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate marked
items from other types of waste and recycle them responsibly to promote the
sustained reuse of material resources. Household users should contact either the
retailer where they purchased this product, or their local government office for details
of where and how they can conduct environmentally safe recycling of such items.
Commercial users should contact their suppliers and check the terms and conditions of
purchase contracts. This product should not be combined with other commercial
waste for disposal.

Rev. 1.02
- 7 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
1. Content Confirmation
The following items should all be contained in the printer package.
Contact the dealer from which the purchase was made if any item is damaged and/or
missing.
SLP-TX400/TX403
Power Cord
AC Adapter
Holder Ribbon (2ea)
Core
CD
User’s Manual
※Optional items
RS-232C(Serial) Cable
IEEE1284(Parallel) Cable
USB Cable

Rev. 1.02
- 8 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
2. Product Part Names
Feed Button
Cover Peel-off
(Option)
Cover Lever
Printer Head
Paper Holder
Paper Guide + Gap Sensor
Peel-off Sensor
(Option)
Black-Mark &
Notch Sensor
Pause Button
Paper Cover
Ribbon Assembly

Rev. 1.02
- 9 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
Power Switch
IEEE1284 (Parallel)
USB
Fan-Fold or Exter Paper
Power Jack
RS-232C (Serial)
Auto Cutter
(Option)
Cover Peel-off
(Option)
External Paper Supplier
(Option)

Rev. 1.02
- 10 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3. Installation & Usage
3-1 Power Connection
Connect power to the printer as shown below.
1) Turn off the printer power switch.
2) Check to see that the AC adapter voltage matches that of the power source.
3) Connect the AC adapter jack to the printer power connector.
4) Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
5) Connect the power cord to a power source/outlet.
OFF
Power Switch
Power Cord
AC Adapter

Rev. 1.02
- 11 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-2 Interface Cable Connection
3-2-1 Standard Model
Connect the interface cable as shown below.
This printer supports the following communications interface standards.
-RS-232C(Serial) Cable
-IEEE1284(Parallel) Cable
-USB B-Type Cable
1) Turn off the power switch.
2) Connect the communication cable to the printer communication port to be used.
- Connect the RS-232C(Serial) Cable to the SERIAL port.
and tighten the screw on both sides.
- Connect the IEEE1284(Parallel) Cable to the PARALLEL port.
and fasten the clips on both sides.
- Connect USB B-Type cable to the USB port.
USB Cable
RS-232(Serial) Cable
IEEE1284(Parallel) Cable

Rev. 1.02
- 12 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-2-2 Ethernet Model(SLP-TX40xE)
Connect the interface cable as shown below.
This printer supports the following communications interface standards.
-RS-232C(Serial) Cable
-LAN(Ethernet) Cable
-USB A-Type(WLAN Dongle)
-USB B-Type Cable
1) Turn off the power switch.
2) Connect the communication cable to the printer communication port to be used.
- Connect the RS-232C(Serial) Cable to the SERIAL port.
and tighten the screw on both sides.
- Connect the LAN(Ethernet) Cable to the ETHERNET port.
- Connect USB A-Type(WLAN Dongle) to the HOST port.
- Connect USB B-Type Cable to the USB port.
USB B-Type Cable
RS-232C(Serial) Cable
LAN(Ethernet) Cable
USB A-Type
(WLAN Dongle)

Rev. 1.02
- 13 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-3 Paper Installation
1) Open the Paper Cover.
2) Spread the paper holder and insert
paper as shown.
3) Open the Ribbon Assembly and spread
the paper guide.
4) Feed the paper between the Paper
Guide on both sides.
5) After Installation the paper, manually set the sensor(Gap & Black-Mark) and Paper
Guide to the correct position.
6) Close the Ribbon Assembly until a click sound is heard, close the Paper Cover.
Paper Guide
Ribbon Assembly
Moveable Black-Mark Sensor
and Notch Sensor
Moveable(half)
Gap Sensor
●
●
●

Rev. 1.02
- 14 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-4 Ribbon Installation
3-4-1 Type of Ribbon
1) Type by Film Coating Location
- Take note before ribbon purchase that only ribbons facing outward can be used.
Outside Ribbon
Inside Ribbon
※Note
- Follow the procedure described below to determine the coating surface of the ribbon.
•Ribbon test using adhesive material
- Perform contact test in order to determine which side is coated if there are useable
labels.
•Complete the following steps to carry out the contact test
- Remove the liner from the label
- Put a piece of adhesive surface of the label on the outer/inner surface of the ribbon,
and apply pressure.
- Remove the label from the ribbon
- Check whether adhesive surface of the label is stained by black ink ribbon.
2) Type by Roll Core
- This printer can be used to one-inch or half-inch core ribbon.
- For a 1-inch core, a roll core must be used.
- The holder ribbon and roll core of the fully used ribbon must be reused.
Do not discard.
one-inch
half-inch
Coated Area
(Surface
to be printed)
Coated Area
(Surface to be printed)
( O )
( X )

Rev. 1.02
- 15 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-4-2 Inserting a One-Inch Core Ribbon
1) Insert the Holder ribbon into the core and ribbon. (keep note of ribbon printing direction)
2) Open the ribbon assembly and insert the
ribbon and core by pushing from left to
right.
3) Apply tape to the coiling portion of the
ribbon.
4) Press the Close area to shut the ribbon assembly.
3-4-3 Inserting a Half-Inch Core Ribbon
1) Open the ribbon assembly and insert the
ribbon and core by pushing from left to
right. (keep note of ribbon printing
direction)
2) Apply tape to the coiling portion of the
ribbon.
Tape
Tape
Core (one-inch)
Holder ribbon

Rev. 1.02
- 16 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-4-4 Knob Adjustment by Ribbon Length
Ribbon lengths of 74m, 100m (0.5” core), and 300m (1” core) can all be used with this
product. Adjust the knob accurately according to the ribbon length (74 ~ 300 m).
Exercise care as print quality and operation can be affected.
The product is shipped with a default
setting for a ribbon length of 300m
(1” core). To use a 74m (0.5” core)
ribbon, adjust (rotate) the knob in the
direction of 74m prior to use.
When the cover is outside the knob
as shown in the image, the ribbon
length is set to 74m. If the cover is
inside the knob as shown in Image
B, the ribbon length is set to 300m.
Image-A (74m)
Image -B (300m)
■Knob Adjustment
- Grasp the ribbon while it is fitted and rotate the knob as shown in the image.
Knob
Cover
Knob
Ribbon

Rev. 1.02
- 17 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-4-5 Narrow Ribbon Installation
When using ribbons of widths of 110mm or
lower, install in a centered position on the
holder ribbon.
3-4-6 Ribbon Removal
1) Use a knife or other sharp-edged object to cut the ribbon.
(Take care not to injure hands)
2) Open the ribbon assembly and remove the ribbon and core by pushing from left to right.
3) Detach the ribbon holder from the ribbon and core.
3-4-7 Ribbon Sensor Activation
Ribbon detection sensor is disabled by default factory settings. Check the settings related
to ribbon detection sensor if printing does not stop when the printer is out of ribbon or
ribbon is broken.
* Ribbon detection sensor can be enabled by command control. And default setting can
be changed by Unified Label Utility.
※CAUTION
1. When replacing a ribbon, keep affixed the core of the fully used ribbon to the ribbon
coiling portion on the other side and do not discard as its use is required.
2. As the ribbon holder is required for continuous use, make sure not to misplace it.
Cutting

Rev. 1.02
- 18 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-5 LED Display
3-5-1 Button Operations
Printer state
before
operation
Button
Operation procedure
Printer operation mode
Feed/
Cancel
Pause
Power OFF
Depress
-
• Apply power while
depressing the button.
• Hold the button for about
five seconds.
Self-test Printing Mode.
Print
Standby
Depress
-
• Depress the button softly
and release it immediately
Feed Mode
Print
Standby
-
Depress
• Depress the button for two
seconds and continue to
hold
Stand-alone
configuration Mode
During
printing
Depress
-
• Depress the button softly
and release it immediately
Print Cancel Mode
During
printing
-
Depress
• Depress the button softly
and release it immediately
Print Pause Mode

Rev. 1.02
- 19 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-5-2 LED indicator for various printer statuses
LED 1
LED 2
Printer Status
Color
Status
Color
Status
Green
On
Green
On
Print standby
mode
Print standby mode
Red
On
Red
On
Error mode
Ribbon is not detected
Red
On
Orange
On
Error mode
Paper jam (gap/black mark is not
recognized)
Red
On
Green
Blink
Error mode
Printer head overheating
Red
On
Red
Blink
Error mode
Cover open
Red
On
Orange
Blink
Error mode
No paper
Red
On
-
Off
Error mode
Media calibration failure
Red
Blink
Red
Blink
Error mode
Auto-Cutter error
Orange
On
Orange
On
Mode switching
notification
Mode switching notification
Green
Blink
Red
On
Wait for input
Print is paused temporarily. Wait
for button input
Green
Blink
Green
Blink
Wait for input
Cover Close Mode. Wait for button
input
Green
On
Red
Blink
Wait for input
Print Cancel Mode. Wait for button
input

Rev. 1.02
- 20 -
SLP-TX400x/TX403x
3-6 Test printing
3-6-1 Printing using Windows driver
1) Install the Windows driver.
Refer to the “Windows driver manual”in the CD for the installation procedure.
2) Set the “port”of Windows driver to the appropriate interface to be used. Refer to the
“Ethernet interface user’s manual” in the CD when using Ethernet interface.
3) Print the test page using the “Print test page”function of Windows driver.
3-6-2 Printing using label design program
- The label design program is included in the separate CD.
1) Install the label design program.
2) Refer to the “Label Design Program Manual”included in the CD and set the interface.
3) Print the test page after designing a label.