Datamax Apex 3 User manual

APEX 3
User Guide
7A300020-2 Rev. B

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Contents
General Precautions ..................................................................................................... 1
Safety ........................................................................................................................... 1
1 Getting Started.................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Unpacking the Printer.......................................................................................... 2
1.2 Installing and Charging the Battery Cartridge ......................................................... 3
1.2.1 Installing the Battery .................................................................................... 3
1.2.2 Charging the Battery ..................................................................................... 4
1.3 Reading the LED Status ....................................................................................... 5
1.4 Using the Belt Clip .............................................................................................. 6
2Loading Supplies .................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Adding Paper or Labels ........................................................................................ 7
2.2 Tearing Paper..................................................................................................... 8
3Using the Printer .................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Initial Power-Up and Self-Test .............................................................................. 9
3.2 Connecting the Printer........................................................................................10
3.2.1 Dip Switch Location......................................................................................10
3.2.2 Setting Dip Switches ....................................................................................10
3.2.3 Dip Switch Functions ....................................................................................11
3.3 Serial Communication ........................................................................................12
3.4 Infrared Communications Mode (IrDA)..................................................................12
3.5 Bluetooth and 802.11g Communications ...............................................................13
3.6 Magnetic Strip Reader ........................................................................................13
3.7 USB Communications .........................................................................................14
3.8 Programming Information ...................................................................................14
4Printer Maintenance ............................................................................................. 16
4.1 Print Head Cleaning Instructions ..........................................................................16
4.2 Charging the Printer Battery................................................................................16
4.2.1 Important Notes on Charging Batteries ...........................................................16
4.2.2 Important Notes on Replacing Batteries ..........................................................17
4.3 Verifying Battery Charge State ............................................................................17
4.4 Battery and Safety Information............................................................................18
4.5 Recycling your Batteries .....................................................................................18
4.6 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................18
4.7 Printer Supplies .................................................................................................19

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5Specifications ....................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Printer Specifications..........................................................................................20
5.2 Supply Specifications .........................................................................................20
5.3 Regulatory Notes ...............................................................................................21
5.3.1 FCC Part 15 Class B .....................................................................................21
5.3.2 Warranty ....................................................................................................21
5.3.3 Warranty and/or Repair Service .....................................................................21
6Customer Support ................................................................................................ 22

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General Precautions
!Before using this product be sure to read through this manual. After reading please keep the
manual in a safe place for future reference.
!The information contained herein is subject to change without notice of any type.
!Datamax-O’Neil is not responsible for any operational results regardless of missing
information, errors or any misprinting in this manual.
!Datamax-O’Neil is not responsible for problems created as a result of using options and
consumables not approved by them.
!This product is designed for servicing at an Authorized Service Center. Other than routine
maintenance described in this manual the user should not attempt to repair, service or
disassemble this product.
!Incorrect operation, handling, improper supplies and operating environments may cause
damage or otherwise affect the proper operation of this product. Such actions invalidate the
product warranty.
Safety
In this manual, on the printer, and on the accessories we make use of internationally recognized
safety symbols as follows:
Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution! Risk of electric shock
Double Insulation or Reinforced Insulation
DC, Direct Current or Voltage
AC + DC, Current or Voltage

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1 Getting Started
1.1 Unpacking the Printer
The APEX 3 portable printer is a full featured portable receipt printer designed for a number of
environments and uses including field service, field sales, hospitality and restaurants, ticketing,
etc. where point of service receipts are required. The package contains:
!Printer
!Battery Cartridge
!Universal AC adapter (US, UK, European or Australian plugs) for charging the battery
inside the printer
!Belt Clip
!Roll of paper supply (already loaded in the printer)
Both cabled and wireless communication is possible.
Overview
FIGURE 1: PRINTER OVERVIEW

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1.2 Installing and Charging the Battery Cartridge
Note: One battery cartridge is included with the printer. Similar to a cordless phone
battery, the printer’s battery must be charged before use.
Datamax-O’Neil batteries must be cycled several times to achieve maximum capacity.
To cycle a battery, fully charge it and then allow a full discharge through normal use.
1.2.1 Installing the Battery
Note: Refer to Figure 2 below to install the battery pack in the printer.
!Unlock the battery door by sliding the battery door locking tab down.
!Open the battery door.
!Insert the battery as shown. The battery side with two contact terminals should be facing
down to make contact with the two spring probes inside the battery compartment.
!Close the battery door.
!Lock the battery door by sliding the battery door locking tab up.
FIGURE 2: INSTALLING THE BATTERY CARTRIDGE

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1.2.2 Charging the Battery
!Plug the battery charger adapter output cable into the battery charger connector as shown
in Figure 3.
FIGURE 3: CHARGING THE BATTERY CARTRIDGE
!Plug the battery charger adapter into the appropriate AC line voltage socket.
!The Yellow/Amber charging LED will illuminate indicating that the battery is charging.
!The battery will be fast charged and, after approx. 180 minutes, the LED will turn off.
!To remove the battery cartridge, open the battery door and tip the battery out of the
printer.
Note: To ensure a full charge do not operate the printer while charging.
Note: The wall mounted charger is Class II equipment (
) . Multiple plug configurations
comply with most international standards. The wall mounted charger is not supplied with
plugs for use in Korea.
!The wall mounted charger has the following specifications:
Model
APEX 3
Input Voltage/Current
100-240 VAC/0.55A
Input Frequency
50-60 Hz
Output Voltage/Current ( )
10VDC/2.4A
Do not use a charger not approved by Datamax-O’Neil for use with the APEX 3. Use of
an unapproved charger could damage the battery pack or the printer and will void the
warranty.
The battery terminals are well recessed inside the printer. Do not allow them to contact
conductive material since this may create a short circuit that could cause injury or start
a fire.

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1.3 Reading the LED Status
Table 1 explains the LED indicator status. Refer to Figure 1for the locations described for
<ON/OFF> and <FEED> push button switches and AC adapter socket. Figure 4 provides the
location of the status LEDs on the front of the printer.
FIGURE 4: LED STATUS
Table 1 - Reading the LED Status
LED
Status
Condition
Function
LED # 1
Communication
GREEN
Flashing
Power is ON and the printer is in RS232, USB or IrDA
mode
Steady
Communicating with host
BLUE
Flashing
Power is ON and the printer is in Bluetooth®mode
Steady
Transmitting/receiving
AMBER
Flashing
Power is ON and the printer is in 802.11b/g mode
Steady
Transmitting/Receiving
RED
Steady
Low power indication
LED # 2
Battery
AMBER
Steady
Battery being charged. The LED will turn off when the
battery is fully charged.
LED # 3
Magnetic Card
Reader
&
Printer Error
GREEN
Steady
!Indicates that MCR is ready to accept data
!Indicates that SCR is ready to accept data
RED
Steady
!MCR track read error
!Printhead is hot [at +80°C (176°F)]
!Battery voltage dropped below threshold (6.25
VDC under load)
Flashing
!Out of paper
!Paper door is open
Note: Refer to the troubleshooting guide to determine error or fault condition.

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1.4 Using the Belt Clip
The belt loop system consists of two parts:
!A knob located on the back part of the printer just above the battery door
!A click-on connector
To use the clip, insert the knob located at the bottom of the printer into the slot of the
connector. Pull down until a click is heard; the printer is now secure
!To release the printer, press inward on the two (2) connector latches and pull the knob
clear of the slot.
Note: Do not force or pull the printer from the connector without pressing inward on the
two (2) latches.
FIGURE 5: KNOB CONNECTION AND QUICK CLIP
Release Latches

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2 Loading Supplies
2.1 Adding Paper or Labels
The printer can print text, bar codes and graphics on thermal receipt paper. See “Supply
Specifications” in Section 5.2 for the width, thickness requirements and approved vendors.
Follow these steps to load printer paper.
!Open the paper supply cover by placing your fingers under the “T” pull lever and pulling
upward firmly on the supply cover until the lever ceases to move. See Figure 6 for details.
FIGURE 6: OPENING PRINTER
Note: DO NOT pull with excessive force. Use only enough force to allow the cover to
unlock and lift freely.
Note: DO NOT force the “T” pull lever too far backward.
!Place the paper supply roll into the paper supply compartment. Make sure the paper
supply unwinds from the bottom as shown in Figure 7.
!Position the paper supply between the print head guides.
!Ensure that some supply (2-3 inches) extends beyond the top of the paper supply
compartment.
!Close the paper supply cover and press it closed.
Note: Paper Supply Roll. To prevent possible damage to the print-head mechanism, it is
important to verify that the paper has not been fastened to the inside core in any way.
The paper should be wound on the core in such a way that the end of the paper will
unwind freely from the core. If fastened by tape or glue, the core will be pulled into the
mechanism causing jamming and possible gear damage. Proper paper roll supplies are
available from Datamax-O’Neil as P/N 757061.

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FIGURE 7: OPERATOR CONTROLS AND PAPER LOADING
2.2 Tearing Paper
The printer’s paper door acts as a tear bar. Pull one edge of the paper against the tear bar as
indicated, then tear down and across against the tear bar to tear the paper. See Figure 8 for
details.
The tear bar may have sharp edges!
Note: Use of the tear bar is the only way to tear the paper.
Note: Pulling upward and pulling sideways without using the tear bar can cause a paper
jam due to paper misalignment in the print head mechanism.
FIGURE 8: TEARING PAPER
Note: Pull Paper Roll
Leader out of printer. Note
direction of paper travel.

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3 Using the Printer
3.1 Initial Power-Up and Self-Test
Once the Battery is charged and the paper is loaded, an
initial power up self-test can be performed.
!Press the <ON/OFF> switch once. This turns printer
on. LED #1 illuminates in green or blue depending on
the mode of communication.
oThe printer will stay ON until it is manually tuned
OFF.
oIf the printer is set for Bluetooth (BT) mode the
printer will stay on all the time. Pressing the
<ON/OFF> switch again will turn the printer off.
!Press the <ON/OFF> switch to turn the printer off. The
LED turns off.
!To start the self-test, press and hold the <FEED>
switch then press the <ON/OFF> switches.
!The printer will start printing the self-test message.
Release the <FEED> switch.
oPress the <ON/OFF> or <FEED> switch to stop or
cancel the self-test print.
oThe first few lines of self-test show the printer
firmware version, the current printer settings (for
example Bluetooth or Serial mode) and a list of any
optional or special features installed. Figure 9
shows a printing sample.
FIGURE 9: SELF-TEST

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3.2 Connecting the Printer
!The APEX 3 printer supports Serial RS232 and Bluetooth®as default configuration. IrDA,
USB or 802.11g communication is also available as an optional feature.
!Serial, USB, IrDA, 802.11g and Bluetooth communication settings can be changed via DIP
switches located on the control card.
!Printer drivers for Windows®95/98/NT/2000/XP/Vista and Windows7 are available.
3.2.1 Dip Switch Location
!The DIP switches are located inside the battery compartment.
!The functions assigned to these switches are shown in Table 2.
!If the Serial interface is selected, the communication parameters, Baud Rate, Data Bit and
Parity, must be set.
Note: Optional serial cable is available for Serial RS232 communication (part # 5892RJD9-
1).
3.2.2 Setting Dip Switches
FIGURE 10: DIP SWITCH SETTINGS (SHOWING SETTING FOR IRDA)
Note: Use caution when changing dip-switch settings. Carefully use a pointer on the dip
switch to toggle its position. DO NOT apply excessive force.

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3.2.3 Dip Switch Functions
Table 2 shows the different printer setting available through the Dip Switches.
Table 2 – DIP Switch Setting
Switch #
Notes
Communication Interface
SW 1
SW 2
SW 3
SW 4
SW 5
SW 6
SW 7
SW 8
RS232
OFF
OFF
Baud rate set by Dip switches 3,4 and 5
1IrDA
ON
OFF
Baud Rate can be negotiated up to the
value specified through Dip switches
3,4 and 5
Bluetooth or 802.11g
OFF
ON
N/A
ON
ON
Setting not supported
2USB
X
X
OFF
OFF
ON
3USB Bootloader
X
X
ON
OFF
ON
4Baud Rate
SW 3
SW 4
SW 5
RS232 and IrDA only
115200
OFF
OFF
OFF
57600
ON
OFF
OFF
38400
OFF
ON
OFF
19200
ON
ON
OFF
14400
OFF
OFF
ON
9600
ON
OFF
ON
Use for fixed IrDA
2400
OFF
ON
ON
1200
ON
ON
ON
Parity Bit
SW 6
SW 7
Parity Enabled (ODD)
ON
ON
Does not apply for IrDA
Parity Enabled (EVEN)
ON
OFF
Does not apply for IrDA
Auto Power Save
SW 8
Power Save Enabled
ON
Auto Power Down
Power Save Disabled
OFF
Manual On/Off
1If IrDA is not installed, printer will default to RS232 mode with baud rate 115200
2Xstands for Don’t Care: Dip Switch 7 will override 1 and 2
3Firmware Applies to Apex 3 – USB version only
4Baud Rate and Parity are applicable to RS232 and IrDA communication mode ONLY
Note: In order for changes to the dip-switch configuration to take effect, the printer power
must be reset. Please refer to the Developer’s Manual for more information.

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3.3 Serial Communication
!The RS232C Interface signals for the APEX 3 Series printers are terminated on a 6 PIN RJ
type data connector located on the side of the printer.
!Six connections are provided from the Serial Interface to the host computer. Table 3 lists
the Serial Interface signals and pin outs for the RJ connector. The connector pin locations
are shown in Figure 11.
!A minimum of two (2) connections are required for operation: RXD – pin 3 and Common –
pin 1
The communication parameters: Baud rate, Data Bit and Parity settings must match those
of the host device.
FIGURE 11 – RJ DATA CONNECTOR
TABLE 3 – APEX 3 Printers’ Serial RS232C Interface signals
!Dip Switch #1 and #2 must be in <OFF> position to activate the serial communication
interface.
3.4 Infrared Communications Mode (IrDA)
!Dip Switch #1 must be in the <ON> position.
!The printer can be powered ON by pressing the power <On/Off> switch.
!If no IrDA connection is made, the printer will automatically power down to a lower power
level to conserve battery life. It will remain in a “sleep” mode until an IrDA connection is
made, at which time the printer will “wake” and print the requested data.
!Pressing the power switch again will turn the printer <OFF>.

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3.5 Bluetooth and 802.11g Communications
!Bluetooth and 802.11g operation:
oDip Switch #1 must be in the <OFF> position.
oDip Switch #2 must be in the <ON> position.
Note: Adjust baud rate settings to match those of the Bluetooth™or 802.11g module in
your computing device.
!The printer can be powered ON by pressing the power <ON/OFF> switch.
!Pressing the power <ON/OFF> switch again will turn the printer <OFF>.
Note: It is necessary for the mobile computing device you are using to discover the
printer. Refer to the instructions provided by the systems integrator.
Note: Systems Integrators: Refer to the Bluetooth™manual provided with your mobile
computer and the Bluetooth section of the Developer’s Manual available for this printer.
3.6 Magnetic Strip Reader
!The Magnetic Card Reader is a factory-installed option. This option requires special
application software to read and process cards with a magnetic strip, such as a credit card
or a driver’s license.
!Quickly swipe the card through the reader either left to right or right to left. The magnetic
strip must be facing toward the paper supply door as indicated below while it is passed
through the reader.
!Refer to Table 4 for the description of the LED indicator Status.
Table 4 - Magnetic Card LED Indicator
LED indicator
State
Status
Green
ON
OFF
Ready/waiting for card to be swiped.
Good swipe - Card data read OR
Card not ready to be swiped.
Red
ON
Error reading card’s data.

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3.7 USB Communications
The APEX 3 printer comes equipped with a USB 2.0 slave port. To enable USB, you must set
the dip switches on the printer as below:
SW 1
SW 2
SW 3
SW 4
SW 5
SW 6
SW 7
SW 8
Any
position
Any
position
Any
position
Any
position
Any
position
OFF
ON
Any
position
Compatible Software
The host and printer communicate through a method called the "Virtual COM Port", in which a
software intermediary called the "driver" makes the USB connection look like a COM port to
the end-application. Consequently, all software that communicates through the COM port is
compatible.
Software Driver Installation
You must install the driver before you can use USB to print. Turn on the printer and connect
it to the PC with a USB cable. If the driver has never been installed before, a dialog box will
appear. Reply by selecting "Install from a list or specific location" and indicating the location
of the file .inf supplied with the CD. The Driver can be downloaded from www.datamax-
oneil.com
After installing the driver, review the Virtual Serial Port # created under:
•(Control Panel > System > Hardware Tab > Device Manager)
•Under the Ports (COM & LPT), you should see an entry named "Datamax-O’Neil USB
CDC Communications Port” and the Port number assigned by Windows.
3.8 Programming Information
For programming information, please refer to the Datamax-O’Neil Developer’s Manual.

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4 Printer Maintenance
4.1 Print Head Cleaning Instructions
The print head and platen roller may require cleaning after printing a number of rolls of paper,
when new supplies are loaded, or when voids in the printout become apparent.
Do not use sharp objects to clean the print head. This may damage the printer and
require service.
!Open the paper door by pulling the “T” bar lever on the top cover as shown in Figure 6.
The paper supply door will pop up.
!Remove the paper roll.
!Moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and clean the print head.
!Clean the platen roller with a dry cloth or small brush.
Note: Another cotton swab may be moistened with isopropyl alcohol in order to clean the
platen. Turn the platen roller with your finger and run the cotton swab or dry cloth across
it. Make sure the platen roller is clean all the way around.
!Moisten another cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Rub the swab across the black mark
sensor to remove build-up.
!Moisten another cotton swab and rub the swab across the tear bar to remove build-up.
Note: Dust build-up may occur depending on the environment and the quality of the paper
supply used. If this occurs, use a can of compressed air to blow dust and paper debris out
of the printer.
4.2 Charging the Printer Battery
The printer battery is charged using the wall mounted charger provided. Follow these steps to
charge the battery pack.
!Plug the charger into an appropriate wall socket; then plug the charger line cord into the
adapter jack on the side of the printer (see Figure 3).
!The yellow CHARGE LED will illuminate to indicate that the battery is charging.
!The Charge LED turns off when the battery cartridge is fully charged. It requires about
180 minutes to fast charge the battery cartridge.
!To insure full charge, the printer should not be operated while the battery is charging.
4.2.1 Important Notes on Charging Batteries
!The model APEX 3 printers require an adapter output of 10VDC/1.32A.
!The battery fast-charge is initiated each time the power adapter is connected to the
printer.
!The fast-charge controller checks the battery’s voltage and temperature before the start
of the fast recharge process. If the battery voltage or the temperature exceeds the fast-
charge limits, the charger defaults to trickle charge at C/10 or 70 mA rate.