Custom Audio Electronics PT 285 User manual

PT 285
THERMAL PRINTER
PT 285
User’s Manual
www.custom.it

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All rights reserved. The reproduction of this manual, either totally or partially, in any form
whatsoever, whether it be on paper or through computer processes, is strictly prohibited.
Custom Engineering s.r.l. and the resource teams employed in the making of this manual
will not be held responsible for any problems arising as a result of improper use of this
manual, as they guarantee that the information contained in it has been subjected to
careful inspection.
Any suggestions regarding errors in its contents or possible improvements will,
nonetheless, be greatly appreciated. The products are continuously checked and
improved. For this reason Custom Engineering s.r.l. reserves the right to modify the
information contained in this manual without prior notice.
COD. DOME-PT285 Revision 1.10
Copyright 1998 Custom Engineering s.r.l. – Italy
Custom Engineering
Str. Berettine 2 - 43010 Fontevivo (PARMA) - Italy
Tel. : [phone] - Fax : [phone]
http: www.custom.it Email : [email protected]

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GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY
•Read and keep the following instructions.
•Observe all warnings and follow all instructions attached to the printer.
•Before cleaning the printer, disconnect the feed cable.
•Clean the printer with a damp cloth. Do not use liquid or spray products.
•Do not operate the printer near to water.
•Do not place the printer on unsteady surfaces. It could fall and get seriously damaged.
•Usethetypeofelectricitysupplymarkedontheprinterlabel.Intheeventofuncertainty,
contact the seller.
•Position the printer in such a way as to ensure that the cables connected to it will not
be damaged.
•Ensure that the maximum absorbed current of the printer does not exceed the
maximum acceptable current for the type of feed cable used.
•Do not put objects of any kind inside the printer as they could cause a short circuit or
damage parts which could affect its performance.
•Do not spill liquids on the printer.
•Donotcarry out technical operationsonthe printer with theexceptionof the scheduled
maintenance operations specifically indicated in the user’s manual.
•Disconnect the printer from the electricity supply and have it repaired by a specialized
technician should any of the following conditions occur:
A. The feed connector has been damaged.
B. Liquid has penetrated to the inside of the printer;
C. The printer has been exposed to rain or water;
D. The printer is not operating normally despite the instructions in the user’s
manual having been followed.
E. The printer has been dropped and its case damaged.
F. The performance of the printer is poor.
G. The printer does not work.

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GENERAL FEATURES
The PT285 (Fig.1) is a panel printer which is undoubtedly the best solution for all industrial applications:
itisidealforPOS,weighingsystems,receipts(notfortaxpurposes),security,controllinganddiagnostics
purposes.
IT IS equipped with a high resolution, rapid-type thermal print mechanism (200dpi), which uses 57.5mm
wide rolls of thermal paper.
The PT285 printer is so compact and lightweight that it can be installed extremely easily on any type of
equipment. It is able to satisfy every requirement, thanks to its personalized programming facility. It has
a 4K print buffer. It is supplied with RS232 serial and CENTRONICS parallel interfaces as standard. It
can also be equipped with a Real Time Clock.
The PT285 has 3 pages of programmable graphics in which logos and drawings can be stored.
The driver for Microsoft® Windows™ and software for editing and programming logos and fonts, and
for upgrading the printer’s firmware, are available on request.
DESCRIPTION

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The PT285 printer has an ABS casing with a cover which opens to allow access to the paper roll and
print head. The printer’s dimensions are shown in fig. 2.
The keyboard, consisting of the PRINT and FEED keys with illuminated LEDs, is housed in the front of
the printer.
Figure 2
• PRINT key. When the print key is activated it brings about the transmission in serial of the control
character “$0D”. This only happens, however, if it has been enabled through DATA4 with logic “0” or,
alternatively,ifswitch5ofoptionRS232isin the ON position.Ifduringconfigurationfromthekeyboard,
the option to set using the keys has been selected, transmission of the character “$0D” can either be
enabled or disabled. When the PRINT key’s LED lights up, this indicates that the printer is printing.
• FEED key. When this is pressed the paper feeds forward manually. If this key is pressed briefly, when
the RTCK option is installed, the date and time of day is printed. When the LED of the FEED key
lights up , this indicates that the logic card’s power supply is correct, i.e. that it is over 3.7 V (minimum
threshold, under which the printer is reset and the LED stays off). If there is no paper, the LED
flashes.
DESCRIPTION

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DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Table1liststhe main features of the two printer models: PT285 16, 24 and40columns.
TABLE 1
COLUMNS 16 24 40
Characters (L x H mm) 3x4 2x3 1,1x2
Character matrix 24x32 16x24 9x16
Graphic dot 8dot/mm
Dots per line 384
Printing speed: 2,6
Lines/sec. 6,5 9 13
Characters/sec. 100 216 520
Printing method Fixedthermal head
Writing method Straight,reverse,90°
Print formats Normal,doubleandquadrupleheightandwidth, enlarged,
negative,underscored
Character set 5built-in fonts
Paper width 57,5.0,5mm x Ø50 mm max
Print buffer 4Kbytes
Standard interfaces TTLserialand parallel
Optional interfaces CurrentloopRS232 serial, RS485 and
Centronicsparallel
Power supply 5 Vdc ± 10%
Absorption
Mediumwhen printing 14 W
Environmental conditions
Operatingtemperature 0°C - +50°C
Operatinghumidity 35% - 85%
Storagetemperature /humidity -20°C - +65°C / 10%-90%
Options Real time Clock, power pack

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HOW TO REMOVE THE PRINTER FROM ITS PACKAGING
Open the packaging and check :
a) that none of the parts have been damaged during transportation ;
b) that the paper roll is in place.
c) that the printer is equipped with two screws and two brass washers, for installation purposes.
Figure 3
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
On the panel on which the printer is to be mounted, make a square hole of dimensions
112 X 112 mm (see fig. 3). Unscrew the two brass washers +A+, while leaving the screws “B” in place.
Insert the printer into the hole on the panel, open the front cover and, working from the back, manually
screw down the two brass washers until the printer is firmly in place.
Plug in the interfacing and feed connectors located on the logic card..
If possible, do not expose the equipment to direct light sources.
INSTALLATION and USE

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Card and Motor Control Connector
Power Supply Connector
Print Key
GND
Print
Led Print
( +VCC )
CONNECTIONS
Power supply
The PT285 printer is equipped with a standard 4-pin male AMPMODU1-type connector (J1).
The signals on the power supply connector pins are as follows :
1GND
2GND
3+VT :5 Vdc ±15% (print head power supply)
4+VDC : 5 Vdc± 7% (logic card power supply)
In the following figure (serigraph of card connectors) the connections to be made on the pins of power
supply connector J1 are shown:
It is advisable to install a common mode ferrite with an impedance of approx.200 W to 100 MHz on the
feeding line, for the express purpose of improving immunity to disturbance on the line.
Connection with the power supply connector (J1) can be avoided by using the logic circuitry’s flat 20-pin
connector (J4), thus connecting the printer’s power supply and signals with a single cable. The flat
cable must not exceed 20 cm in length for the 20-pin connector because, when electrical current run
inside small diameter wires, voltage failures can occur, thus interfering with the correct operation of the
printer.Additionally,withthistype of connection,conformityto the electromagneticcompatibilitystandards
can no longer be guaranteed.
If the RS232 or CENTRONICS options are installed in the printer, it must, of necessity, be supplied
through the connector J1.
For the pin pattern relative to feeding through the logic’s flat connector, please refer to the following
paragraph :
INSTALLATION and USE

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Logic
In the 20-pin connector J4, the signals are arranged as follows :
1+VT 2+VT
3+VDC 4+VDC
5GND 6GND
7TD 8D6
9D5 10 D4
11 D3 12 D2
13 D1 14 D0
15 D7 * 16 RESET
17 PSE 18 READY/RTS
19 FEED 20 STB/RD
*The D7 signal is not taken into consideration in the event of 7-bit programming of the parallel port.
In order to configure the PT285 with the extended character set, the parallel interface must be 8-bit
programmed.
The signals indicated have the following functions :
GND : signal ground and feed ;
+VT : print head feed ;
+VCC logic card feed ;
PSE (input) : serial/parallel interface selection. If shortcircuited to ground (0) serial communication is
enabled ; if free (1) parallel communication is enabled ;
D0,...,D7 (inputs) :data buses. In the parallel configuration, these correspond to the printer input data
bus (the high level indicates binary digit 1). In serial communication these are used to determine the
communication speed and transmission protocol: normally the data bus is on logic level 1: in order to
obtain logic level 0, shortcircuit to ground (GND).
The serial baud rate is settable as shown in the table below :
D0 D1 D2 BAUD
0 0 1 300
1 0 1 600
1 1 1 1200
0 1 1 2400
0 0 0 4800
1 0 0 9600
1 1 0 19200
All other combinations select the speed at 1200 baud.
INSTALLATION and USE

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D3=1 : flag type transmission protocol. When the print buffer is full, the printer sends a low level on
the RTS signal, which interrupts transmission; when the buffer is able to receive more data,
the level of the RTS signal changes to 1 .
D3=0 : XON/XOFFtypetransmissionprotocol.Whentheprint bufferisfull, the printer sends XON$13
(DC3), which interrupts transmission; when the buffer is able to receive more data, the
command XON$11 (DC1) is transmitted .
D4=1 : nothing happens when the PRINT key is pressed.
D4=0 : if the PRINT key is pressed when the serial interface has been configured, the signal $0D
(CR) is transmitted on the pin TD.
D5, D6, D7 : the selection of these bits sets configuration in serial with the transmission format listed
in the table below :
D7 D6 D5 Format
1 1 1 8 parity none bits and 1 stop bit
0 1 1 8 parity EVEN bits and 1 stop bit
0 1 0 8 parity ODD bits and 1 stop bit
1 1 0 7 parity none bits and 1 stop bit
1 0 1 7 parity EVEN bits and 1 stop bit
1 0 0 7 parity ODD bits and 1 stop bit
Remember that in order to configure the printer in serial mode, the signal PSE must be shortcircuited to
ground on connector J2.
RESET (input) :reset card controller, active at low level. The reset initializes the printer parameters, with
the following effects: :
the line buffer and print buffer are erased ;
the print format is selected according to programming ;
the PSE pin of J2 is read for serial or parallel configuration ;
The autotest is printed, on pressing the PRINT key ;
The printer setup is run, on pressing the FEED key.
READY/RTS (output) : in the parallel configuration, the high level indicates that the printer is ready to
receive data. A low level indicates that the printer is busy. In serial communication if the CTS/RTS
protocol is enabled, the high logic state (1) indicates that the printer is ready to receive data ; the low
logic state (0) indicates that the print buffer is full and cannot accept data. If the XON/XOFF serial
protocol is activated, the signal is enabled in any case.
FEED (input and output) : paper feed key, active at low level. This signal is in parallel with respect to the
contacts of the FEED key on the front of the printer.
STR/RD (input) : in the parallel configuration, a low level indicates to the printer there there is valid data
on the data buses (D0,..D7). In the serial configuration, it corresponds to the data reception pin.
INSTALLATION and USE

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CONFIGURATION
In the thermal version of the PT285, printer default parameters can be configured. The parameters
affected during configuration are :
• enabling of the RTCK setting through the keys ;
• enabling of serial setting through the keys ;
• serial setting (if enabled) (300-19200baud, 7-8bits, no parity-even-odd, 1-2stop bit) ;
• print direction (normal or reverse) ;
• setting on line of number of columns (24 or 40) ;
• bits in parallel configuration (7 or 8);
• enabling of seconds display ;
• CRLF mode ;
• enabling of printing of bank 1 at init.;
• setting of default font (font1 or font2) ;
• setting of maximum absorbed peak current (2.5A or 4.5A) ;
ThePT285 hasthree16K-byte flash banksforthe printingofgraphicpages of384x341dots(48x42,6mm),
in which logos and drawings may be stored.
Configuration through PC
It is possible to set the printer using an IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer with serial output,
andthiscan be done using a program which is availableon request. Thisuser-friendly program contains
the instructions for its own use in pull-down menus.
Configuration using the PRINT and FEED keys
If when the printer is switched on, the FEED and PRINT keys are held down, a report on the current
printer setting is printed ; the PRINT key puts the printer into configuration mode and the first modifiable
parameter is printed. After this, each time the FEED key is pressed, the parameter is modified and its
current value is printed. Once the required value has been obtained, press the PRINT key to proceed to
the next parameter, and so on. Once all the parameters have been run through, the setting procedure
is terminated by the printing of the report.
INSTALLATION and USE

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AUTOTEST
To run the autotest, hold the PRINT key down, on switching on the printer. When the autotest is run,
some fonts of a bar code and two graphic pages are automatically printed as an example.
INSTALLATION and USE

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INSTALLATION and USE
FONT-TEST
To run the font-test, hold down the FEED key, on switching on the printer. When the font-test is run, all
the available fonts are automatically printed (see CHARACTER SET).
PRECAUTIONS
• Do not print without paper; this leads to the rapid deterioration of the print head.
• Do not put objects inside the printer.
• Do not pull the printer carriage manually when it is switched on.
• Before connecting the printer to the mains, ensure that the power supply or system ON/OFF switch
is in the OFF position.
• Avoid blows to any part of the printer, both during and after installation.

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Blue lever4
Print
mechanism
opening
CHANGING THE PAPER ROLL (Autoload)
To change the paper roll, proceed as follows :
1) open the printer cover and position the paper roll so that it rotates in the right direction, as shown in
figure 5. ;
2) use the blue lever to lift the print head ;
3) insert the end of the roll in the print mechanism opening ;
4) wait until the roll autoloads ;
5) using the blue lever, lower the print head ;
6) press the FEED key so that a few centimetres of paper feeds out of the printer ;
7) feed the end of the paper roll through the slit in the printer cover and close the cover.
N.B. : Before carrying out any kind of operation with the printer cover open, be sure to switch the printer
off. If this is not possible, be sure to adopt the standard safety measures against stray currents.
Figure 5
INSTALLATION and USE

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Transmission
format
Protocol
RTS/CTS
Protocol
XON/XOFF
Notes:
Dato=DATA
Attesa=Stand by
The selection of the standard interface, TTL serial and parallel, is given by the status of pin 17 (signal
PSE) of the 20-pin connector J2.
TTL SERIAL
In the serial protocol, the signals which distinguish the communication are TD, RD, and RTS if the RTS/
CTS protocol has been selected. If, on the other hand, the XON/XOFF protocol has been selected, the
signals are TD and RD.
INTERFACES

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Transimision
format
Flow
Diagram
Notes: DATI VALIDI=VALID DATA
TTL PARALLEL
In the parallel communication the signals which can be used are :
1) 7 or 8 bit data buses ;
2) STROBE signal indicating the validity of the data ;
3) READY signal indicating that the printer is ready to receive data.
INTERFACES

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RS232 SERIAL
The printer is equipped with an RS232 serial interface and current loop to be installed on the PT285’s
controller. It is connected by means of a 25-pin rectangular female connector. The signals on the pins
are shown in the following table ; the pins which are not indicated are not connected. Figure 6 describes
how to select the operational modes.
Pin Connector Table
Pin Signal Direction To be connected to Description
1, 7 GND OUT GND Signal ground
2TXD OUT RXD Receive Data. Output in serial (from Host)
3RDX IN TXD Transmit Data.Data input in serial (to Host)
4DTR OUT DSR DCD Data set ready. Printer on and operating
(active at RS232 level high)
9LOOP RD+ IN Receive data in current loop
10 LOOP RD- Return LOOP RD
11 LOOP RTS+ OUT Current loop : ready to receive data
12 LOOP RTS- Return LOOP RTS
13 LOOP DTR+ OUT Current loop : indicates printer on
14 LOOP DTR- Return LOOP DTR
15 LOOP TD+ OUT Current loop : positive level data
transmission
16 LOOP TD- Return LOOP TD
20 RTS OUT CTS Clear To Send. Ready to receive data
(active at RS232 level high)
There is a dip-switch on the RS232 card by means of which the following personalizations, relative to
the transmission format and to the PRINT key on the front of the PT285, may be obtained. :
DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 BAUD speed
ON ON OFF 300
OFF ON OFF 600
OFF OFF OFF 1200
ON OFF OFF 2400
ON ON ON 4800
OFF ON ON 9600
OFF OFF ON 19200
DIP 4 Description
OFF Transmission protocol RTS/CTS
ON Transmission protocol XON/XOFF
DIP 5 Description
OFF Disables the transmission of $0D when the PRINT key is pressed
ON Enables the transmission of $0D
INTERFACES

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DIP 6 DIP 7 DIP 8 Transmission format
OFF OFF OFF 8 parity none bits and 1 stop bit
OFF OFF ON 8 parity EVEN bits and 1 stop bit
ON OFF ON 8 parity ODD bits and 1 stop bit
ON OFF OFF 7 parity none bits and 1 stop bit
OFF ON OFF 7 parity EVEN bits and 1 stop bit
ON ON OFF 7 parity ODD bits and 1 stop bit
CENTRONICS PARALLEL (option)
The printer can be equipped with a CENTRONICS parallel interface to be installed in the PT285’s
controller. It is connected by means of a 25-pin rectangular female connector. The signal pattern is the
same as that adopted by personal computers using the same connector, as shown in the following
table :
Pin Signal Direction Description
1STROBE IN A low level pulse on this line indicates that there is data ready
to be read by the printer.
2DATA1 IN Data transmitted to the printer. :the low level indicates binary
digit 1.
3DATA2 IN
4DATA3 IN
5DATA4 IN
6DATA5 IN
7DATA6 IN
8DATA7 IN
9DATA8 IN
10 ACK OUT A low level pulse indicates that the printer is ready to receive
further data.
11 BUSY OUT High level active signal: indicates that the printer cannot
receive data
12 PE OUT Paper out (Always to GND)
13 SELECT OUT Connection to Vdc with 4.7 Ohm resistance
18 GND Pins connected to GND
19 GND
20 GND
21 GND
22 GND
23 GND
24 GND
25 GND
INTERFACES

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REAL TIME CLOCK (option)
The Real Time Clock is available as an option. Printing and adjustment of the clock are managed by a
series of control characters, described as follows:
$12 Print clock
$13 Set clock
$14 Tranmission of RTCK in serial
ESC T Stores the time in the print buffer
ESC D Stores the date in the print buffer
ESC U Stores the date (American style) in the print buffer
Adjustment of the clock through the keyboard
The time and date can be adjusted using the PRINT and FEED keys on the printer’s front panel.
To set proceed as follows :
• while holding down the FEED key, press the PRINT key.
The printer will print the time and date with an arrow indicating the digit to be modified ;
• each time the PRINT key is pressed, the digit marked by the arrow will increase ;
• to proceed to modify another digit, press the FEED key again;
• if no more keys are pressed for more than 3 seconds, the update will be printed ;
• to terminate setting procedure, scroll through all the parameters using the FEED key.
INTERFACES