Datamax ST-3210 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Datamax International
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Orlando, Fl 32808
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With USB

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
Copyright Information:
Firmware (Software) Agreement
The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the EPROM’s is owned by Licensor or its
suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business.
The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to,
duplicate or copy the EPROM’s or the information contained in the EPROM’s. The
firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright laws and Licensor retains all rights
not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its suppliers be liable for any damages or
loss, including direct, incidental, economic, special, or consequential damages, arising out
of the use or inability to use the Firmware (Software).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than
the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax
Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
© Copyright 2006 by Datamax Corporation
Part Number: 88-2337-01, Revision A

Agency Compliance and Approvals:
C US
Listed
UL60950-1: 2003 1st Edition
CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03 1st Edition; April 2003
IEC 60950-1 (2001) 1st Edition
Gost-R
As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this product
meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms
to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022:1998 +A1:2000 +A2:2003 Class B
EN 50024:1998 +A1:2001 +A2:2003
Safety: This product complies with the requirements of IEC 60950-1 (2001)
1st Edition
FCC: This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.
Note: 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 instructions in this manual, it 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 user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

Important Safety Instructions:
This printer has been carefully designed to give many years of safe and
reliable performance; however, as with all types of electronic equipment,
there are some basic precautions that should taken to avoid personal
injury or damage to the printer:
 Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided
with this printer.
 Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer.
 Place ST Models on a flat, firm surface; mount SV Models in rigid
enclosure.
 To protect the printer from overheating, make sure no openings on
the printer are blocked.
 Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
 Do not use the printer near water and never spill liquid into it.
 Ensure that the power source meets the ratings listed on the printer;
if uncertain, check with your dealer, electrician, or utility company.
 Do not place the power cord where it may be walked on. Should the
power cord becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
 Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair
this printer.

i
Contents
Overview..............................................................................1
1.0 About the Printer .............................................................................1
1.0.1 Standard Features ..........................................................2
1.0.2 Optional Features............................................................3
Getting Started....................................................................5
2.0 Unpacking........................................................................................5
2.0.1 Inspection .....................................................................6
2.0.2 Additional Requirements.................................................6
Setting-Up the Printer.........................................................7
3.0 Power Connection...........................................................................7
3.1 Interfacing........................................................................................8
3.1.1 Automatic Parser Mode Detection..................................9
3.2 Loading Ticket Stock.....................................................................10
3.2.1 ST Models ...................................................................10
3.2.2 SV Models ...................................................................16
3.3 Using the Front Panel....................................................................18
3.4 Resident Formats..........................................................................22
3.4.1 Configuration Ticket......................................................22
3.4.2 Test Pattern Ticket........................................................23
3.4.3 Internal Test Ticket........................................................24
3.5 Resetting the Printer......................................................................25
3.6.1 Warm Reset..................................................................25
3.6.2 Factory Default Reset ...................................................25
3.6 Keypad Lockout.............................................................................26
Adjustments and Maintenance........................................27
4.0 Media Sensor Adjustment.............................................................27
4.0.1 ST Model Media Sensor Adjustment ............................28
4.0.2 SV Model Media Sensor Adjustment............................31
4.1 Stock ID Selections.......................................................................33
4.2 Start of Print & Cut/Tear Adjustment.............................................35
4.3 Operational Database Modification...............................................36
4.3.1 Database Modification Example ...................................39
4.4 Maintenance..................................................................................40
4.4.1 Printhead Cleaning........................................................41
4.4.2 Platen Roller Cleaning ..................................................43
4.4.3 Media Sensor Cleaning.................................................44
4.4.4 Ticket Detect Sensor Cleaning .....................................46
4.4.5 Interior Cleaning............................................................47
4.4.6 Exterior Cleaning...........................................................48
4.4.7 Downloading Firmware and Fonts................................48

ii
Troubleshooting................................................................51
5.0 Help Guide.....................................................................................51
5.1 Hex Dump Mode............................................................................55
Specifications....................................................................57
6.0 Specifications ................................................................................57
6.1 Approved Ticket Stocks.................................................................63
Appendix A........................................................................65
ASCII Control Code Chart.......................................................................65
Appendix B........................................................................67
Available Fonts and Barcodes ................................................................67
Appendix C........................................................................77
Cable Listings ......................................................................................77
Appendix D........................................................................79
SV Model Mounting Dimensions.............................................................79
Warranty Information........................................................81

S-Class 1
Overview
1.0 About the Printer
ST (Table) Model SV (Vertical) Model
The S-Class printer family, hereafter referred to by model name, blends
rugged design, state-of-the-art electronics, and user-friendly features to
redefine ticketing hardware.
To process complicated formats quickly, the printer is equipped with a
32-bit microprocessor and four megabytes of memory. Auto-detecting
communication ports ensure that interfacing to the host system is a
simple task, while versatile front panel functions will speed you through
setups.
This manual provides all the information necessary for the daily
operation of the printer. To begin printing tickets, refer to the instructions
included with the software package you have chosen. If you wish to
write a custom program, visit our website at www.datamaxcorp.com for a
copy of the DPL Programmer’s Manual (part number 88-2051-01) and
the DTPL Programmer’s Manual (part number 88-2246-01).

2S-Class
1.0.1 Standard Features
This printer comes equipped with many standard features:
Communication Interfaces
 USB interface
 DB-9 RS-232 serial interface
 IEEE 1284 Centronics®parallel interface
Memory
 2 MB FLASH Memory (256K available to user, designated as Module B)
 4 MB DRAM Memory
Printing
 Direct Thermal
 On-demand and batch modes
 Automatic ticket loading and positioning
 Integrated tear bar
 Multiple programming language support
 Lockable cover (ST Models only)
 Interior ticket platform (ST Models only)
Real-Time Clock
 A clock and counter circuit to keep the current time, date, and
amount of inches printed for jobs requiring a time/date stamp as part
of their format.
Scaleable Fonts
Downloadable typeface varieties in point sizes ranging from 4 to
999.

S-Class 3
1.0.2 Optional Features
Many optional features are available for this printer:
Cutter and Tray (ST Models only)
This device automatically cuts ticket stock. Stock thickness can range
from .0025 inch (.06 mm) up to .008 inch (.2 mm). A tray, capable of
stacking a minimum of 100, 3.5-inch (88.9 mm) wide tickets, collects the
cut tickets. Order this feature when placing your printer order.
External Ethernet Connectivity (uses printer’s parallel port)
A print server (the DMX100) that is an external Network Interface
Controller (NIC) to provide Ethernet®connectivity.
Print Side Media Sensor (ST Models only)
This option allows the printer to sense TOF marks that are present on the
same side of the media in which printing will occur.
Roll Hanger (ST Models only)
This mounting option allows the printer to use rolled ticket stock with a
maximum 7-inch outer diameter (177.8 mm) on 2-inch (50.8 mm)
diameter core. Order part number 12-2978-01.

4S-Class

S-Class 5
Getting Started
2.0 Unpacking
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if evident, notify the
shipping carrier to report the nature and extent of the damage before
proceeding.
The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In
order to operate the printer, you will need to remove the packaging
materials placed there for shipment. Complete the following steps prior
to connecting power or attempting to load ticket stock.
 Carefully open the shipping container, remove the printer, and place
it on a level, stable surface.
CAUTION
Do not rest SV models “end-down” on any surface. Damage
to the printer’s connectors may occur.
Remove the printer from the plastic shipping bag.
 Carefully remove the tape that extends
over the Printhead Latch.
(On SV Models also remove the tape
that covers the interface connectors.)
Note: Save all packaging in the event that shipment is ever required.

6S-Class
2.0.1 Inspection
After inspecting the printer, check the remaining contents of the box. In
addition to this manual, the following items should be included:
 Ticket Printer
 Power cord
 Keys (ST Models only)
 Accessories CD-ROM
 Special or additionally
purchased items.
Important Notice:
2.0.2 Additional Requirements
In addition to the above-mentioned items, the following items are
necessary for ticket printing.
• A USB, serial, or parallel interface cable
• Applicable ticket stock
• Applicable software
For advice on which stock and software is best suited for your needs,
contact your customer service representative.

S-Class 7
Setting-Up the Printer
This section details the connections, loading methods, and resident ticket
formats of the printer.
3.0 Power Connection
 Note: Before connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the
printer, ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.
Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
Ensure that the Power Switch on the Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.
Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer,
and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The
power supply automatically detects and then adjusts to the applied line
voltage; see Section 6.0 for the acceptable voltage ranges.)

8S-Class
3.1 Interfacing
The printer can be connected to the host via the parallel, USB, or serial, The
printer will automatically connect to the first port that delivers valid data. Once
established, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change an
interface connection.
AC Power Connector
Serial Port
Parallel Port
Power On/Off Switch
USB Port
AC Power Connector
Power On/Off Switch
Serial Port
Parallel Port
USB Port
 The Parallel Connection needs a Centronics®IEEE 1284 cable with a 36-
pin male connector for unidirectional (forward channel) communications,
or an IEEE 1284 Compliant cable for bi-directional communications
(forward and reverse channels). Also, for bi-directional communications
your host must have supporting software. See Section 5 for more
information.
 The USB Connection needs a USB cable and is supported in
Windows®95 and greater operating systems. Depending upon the
operating system of your host computer, installation requirements may
differ slightly.
 The Serial Connection needs a serial interface cable with specific pin-
outs for proper communications (part numbers and pin-outs are given,
below; contact your reseller to order). The interface supports RS-232C
communications via a DB-9 connector. Serial port settings are menu-
selectable and must match your host’s serial port settings; see Section 4.
Part # 32-2300-01 Part # 32-2301-01

S-Class 9
3.1.1 Automatic Parser Mode Detection
From the factory, the printer will automatically interpret the data
received from the host to set the Parser Mode.
Note: When set to ‘Auto,’ the printer assumes its parser mode according to
the first character received. If the first character is a < (ASCII control
character 3C, as transmitted by most ticketing software packages),
the printer will assume the desired DTPL parser mode. However, in
certain cases (for example, if a font download is executed following
power-up), a received character may cause an unexpected parser
mode which can falsely appear to be a communications problem.
If you want to force the parser mode, see Section 4.3.
More information on identifying the parser mode setting is available in
Section 5, under ‘no communications / not printing via software.’ If
you have any questions or are unable to establish communications,
contact Datamax Technical Support for help.

10 S-Class
3.2 Loading Ticket Stock
The procedure to load the printer differs depending upon the model,
options, and stock type being used. These differences are detailed below.
3.2.1 ST Models
Note: If your printer is equipped with the Roll Hanger option but you want to
use an internal fan-fold ticket source instead, the Roll Hanger must
be removed. Remove the Roll Hanger by turning it counter-clockwise
to unscrew it from the centerplate of the printer.
To load fanfold ticket stock into a table-top printer proceed as follows:
 Plug in and turn ‘On’ the printer.
 Insert the Key into the lock and turn it, as shown, to unlock the
Access Cover.
 Raise the Access Cover (or, for convenience, the cover may be
removed by sliding it forward and then raising it up and off the
hinges).
 Perform this step according to the printer’s Media Sensor option and
the type of ticket stock being used:

S-Class 11
 “Standard Media Sensor” using Fan-Fold Stock –
With the ticket TOF Marks facing ‘down’ (away from you),
place the ticket stock in the bottom of the printer. (If using an
external supply, route the ticket stock into the printer through the
Rear or Bottom Slots.)
Ensure that the Printhead Latch is in the ‘Locked’ position.
Bottom Slot
Ticket Stock
Thumbscrew
Printhead Latch
Rear Slot
Unlocked
Locked
Media
Guides

12 S-Class
 “Print Side Media Sensor” using Fan-Fold Stock –
With the ticket TOF Marks facing ‘up’ (toward you), place the
stock in the bottom of the printer. (If using an external supply,
route the ticket stock into the printer through the Rear or Bottom
Slots.)
Ensure that the Printhead Latch is in the ‘Locked’ position.
Bottom Slot
Ticket Stock
Thumbscrew
Printhead Latch
Rear Slot
Unlocked
Locked
Media
Guides