Datecs FP-550F User manual

FP-550F 1
INTRODUCTION
DATECS FP-550F is a compact thermal printer with fiscal memory, which prints cash
receipts and daily reports on two separate paper rolls 58 mm wide. It is compatible to
most European and World fiscal legislation systems.
The functions of the device are controlled with the help of buttons, located on its frontal
part as well as commands, sent via the serial interface. The couplings for the cable
connections are conveniently located for fast access and easy manipulations. The printing
devices have low noise emission levels and high printing speeds - 50 mm/sec.
The printer has an automatic paper cutter. Optionally, it can support a display and a
cash drawer.
Contemporary commercial activities and the demands of acting fiscal legislation systems
demand a comparatively good knowledge on the ways to operate fiscal devices of
different kinds - cash registers, electronic scales, different types of printing devices. It
is for this reason, that the careful reading of this manual before starting work with the
printer may save you lots of time and trouble later on.
Working with the FP-550F fiscal printer
The over 40 different commands which the printer can execute may initially create the
impression that learning to work with it is a difficult job. Most of these commands,
however, are related to the starting initialization, diagnostics and the generating of
reports thus decreasing greatly the number of commands directly engaged with the
issuing of receipts and other user’s operations.
As an example may serve the commands which must be sent to the printer to make it
generate a fiscal and a non-fiscal receipt. Only the order numbers of the commands will
be presented and the data there related without getting into the details of the contents of
the special symbols which guarantee the viability of the data and ensure the correct
communication between the printer and the personal computer.
Opening a fiscal receipt
Command:-48 (30h)
Data: “1,000000,12”
The first digit is the operator’s number (maximum nine), the second is the operator’s
password while the third is the order number of the point of sale (department or location).
In a newly purchased printer the six zeros are the operator’s default password - you
may, naturally, enter your own. The third digit is suitable only in commercial centers

2FP-550F
with many points of sale (departments). After entering this command the printer will print
out several “header” lines which will contain the text registration number and the name and
individual number of the operator.
Freefiscaltext
Command 49 (37h)
Data: Chocolate bar “Milka”
The text, sent for printing, comes out directly. Within the receipt, the command may be used
an indefinite number of times - for a clearer description of the sold item or for other reasons.
Registering a sale
Command: 49 (37h)
Data: 2 x 120 <TAB>B2.40”
A text of 25 symbols is printed /prior to the symbol there is a space - 09h/, the price of the
item and its relevant tax group, which is in the 40th position on the line. The commentary
may be of only two lines, in which case the lines will be divided with an <LF>(10h).
Payment
Command: 53(35h)
Data:”<TAB>P2.50”
The command is used for receiving the payment on the registered sales , after which they are
forbidden. Before the symbol the s[pacing might also have a descriptive text of two lines,
which have not been presented in the example. Symbol “P” shows the type of payment
employed - in this particular case “ in cash” - after which the sum due is printed out. The
payment can be performed several times but the closing of the receipt is possible only if the
overall, paid sum is equal or greater than the sum of the sales.
Closing a fiscal receipt
Command:56(38h)
Data: “empty string”
The command print a maximum of two lines of text - usually an advertisement “footer”- the
reg.number of the document. the quantity of the sales registered and the compulsory elements
of any fiscal receipt: fiscal logo, date and hour, serial No. of the printer
and the reg. number of the fiscal memory. After sending the command the paper is unrolled
tothe extent tomake it easierthe cutting offof the receiptand the printingof a newdocument.
A detailed client’s receipt can also be printed - it has the validity of an official tax receipt
which contains a print out of the sums registered within each tax group as well as the
personal data of the buyer. As a difference from usual fiscal receipt the detailed
client’s receipt:
-Sends an additional parameter indicating that a tax receipt is being printed. An
example of such a string is “1,000000,12,I” - the printer automatically prints a ten digit
number on the receipt.

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-When entering the “pay” command for the first time the accumulated sum
(arranged according to the tax groups) is also printed. With the entering of a free text
the receipt continues with the name, the address and other data on the buyer (a space
for placing the client’s signature must also be foreseen). The document is closed with
the command 56 - the result is a fully valid tax receipt.
Non-fiscalreceipt
Non-fiscal receipts print information, which does not illustrate the registering of sales.
For example, they may offer information on the orders made in a restaurant before the
payment of the final bill - this final bill must be a fiscal receipt.
Opening a non-fiscal receipt
Command: 38 (26h)
Data: “ “ empty string
The command initiates the printing of a header - after which a new command is
anticipated.
Free, non-fiscal text
Command - 42(2Ah)
Data: Free text
A freely entered text is entered within a framework of 30 symbols per line. The command
can be executed an indefinite number of times.
Closing a non-fiscal receipt
Command - 39 (27h)
Data - ” ” empty string
The date and hour are printed as well as the non-fiscal logo and the order number of the
printer. The printer is then ready for accepting new commands.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
To function normally the program for operating the fiscal printer must be able to control
the execution of the commands, which often fail mainly due to the lack of paper, the
sending of invalid commands or simply because of some minor cable problem. The
current status of the printer is monitored by 5 bytes, returned by the command. Part of
the bits are informative /opened non-fiscal receipt for instance/, others indicate error
/no paper, invalid command, etc./. The program must inform of existing errors or - if
possible - react to these errors.

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There are commands with the help of which the control program can acquire the whole
needed information on the current status of the printer. The printer saves this info in the
memory as well as the accumulated sums (during the day or only within the current
receipt) even after it has been switched of from the power feed. If the device is in the
“document opened” mode it cannot close down automatically but only from the control
program.
In support of the lower level of the protocol there is a DOS driver for installing in
CONFIG.SYS. This driver is “responsible “ for the correct transfer of the commands
and the receiving of the results from their execution. Using this driver restricts the
process of operating the printer down to the saving and the simple reading of a file -
also possible under Windows.
Another possible shortening of the control operations of the FP- 550F is the 16-bit
library-type file FPLIB.DLL, which contains all existing commands for the printer and
where the initial processing of the data, returned by the printer.
Together with the printer DATECS offers a Windows-based program called
FPSERV.EXE, which generates all fiscal reports demanded by the local fiscal legislation.
Some basic adjustments and settings to the printer can be performed under this program
too, like: setting the clock, entering new “headers and footers”, editing the number and
size of the tax rates when legislative changes appear.

FP-550F 5
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FP-550F
Controlpanel
The functional control of the printer is performed with the help of buttons, located on
its frontal part and commands, sent via the serial interface. The coupling of the cable
connections are located in such a way as to make them easily connectable and the
whole device fast to set up for normal operation. The pruinting devices are of the low
sopund emission, fast operating type - 50 mm/sec.
The printer has an automatic paper cutter. It can support a display and a cash drawer.
Prior to using this device please read these instructions and the descriptions of the
application programs carefully and make sure that you have really learned how to op-
erate the FP-550F.
Upon delivery, the DATECS package will contain:
-Paper rolls - 2 pieces;
-AC-DC adapter;
- Serial cable for connecting to a PC;
- User’s Manual;
- Instructions for the taxation authorities;
- Passport of the device.
Rearcover
Windowforjournalreportpaperstrip
Control panel
ON/OFFswitch
Magnetic tray
Front cover
Coin tray

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Control panel indicators
- “Power” indicator
Lights in green when the printer is on and does not execute commands. When the light
is out this is an indication that the printer is “engaged” with a job.
- “Cash recepits” button
Moves the cash receipts papre roll foreward. When the button is kept pressed down,
the printer generates and prints out diagnostic information on both paper rolls.
- “Journal paper roll” button
Moves foreward the electronic journal paper roll. When pressed down continuously
prints out the dailuy report without clear. This can be also generated through a separate
command.
When both buttonÿ are pressed down continuously The printer generates a short peri-
odic report for the whole period of exploitation if (and when) the printer is a non-fiscal
device. The job will also be done throughn a special command.
- “Error” indicator
Activated continuously
when there is no paper in
the device and blinks at
the overheating of one\both
printing devices. Goes out
when the error is cleared.
Couplings and
cable connections
Power feed
(green light)
Cash
receipts El. Journal
Error
(orange)
Configuration keys
RS232interface
Cashdrawer cablecoupling
Grounding
cable
Power feed
cable

FP-550F 7
Configurationkeys
The keys are shown in their “OFF” positions.
Key Function
SW 1 Automatic paper cutting. The status of the key is read
only at switch ON - the mode can later be changed
with a command.
SW 2 Not used
SW 3 Sets to the “Transparent display” mode.
SW 4 Baud rate: OFF=19200 bps; ON=9600 ps.
Functions of the configuration keys
+
Key 1

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4

FP-550F 9
CHAPTER 1
STARTING WORK
• Cables and connections
• Consumables; changing the
paper rolls

10 FP-550F
Cables and connections
Plug into the coupling as shown on the illustration
Connecting the serial interface cable
Tighten the two screws of the socket firmly to the device:
Plug the other end of the cable to the RS port of the computer:
Lock the socket against accidental decoupling with the two clamps.

FP-550F 11
Connect the cable for opening the cash drawer as shown on illustration:
Connect the cable of the AC adapter - printer coupling:
Connect the AC adapter cable - coupling - adapter:

12 FP-550F
Changing the paper rolls
An active “Error” indicator during a printing session indicates that the paper roll has
finished.
Replacing the cash receipts paper roll:
1. Swich the printer ON - both the “Power” and “Error” indicators are active.
2. Take off the front cover and place the paper roll as shown on the illustration:
ATTENTION! Immediately after print the headsof the ther-
mal nechanisms as well as the automatic paper-cutter are hot.
Let them cool of several minutes before replacing the paper
rolls.
3. Raise the little leverof the printing mechanism to position the printing head
down. Place paper roll as shown in the illustration; be sure that the direction of the
unrolling of the paper is right /the end of the paper must be evenly cut/ as well as the
correct direction of the movement of the mechanism:
yes no
Wrong Right
lever
printing
mechanism
paper roll
Direction

FP-550F 13
front cover spool
Electronic journal paper roll
Open the front cover. The opening of this cover is impossible if the front cover isn’t
opened too /illustration/. Take the spool out and place the plastic paper plate back-
ward /illustration/
plate
Place the paper roll in and raise thelever as shown in the illustration and place the
end of the paper in the mechanism:
Move about 30 cm of paper through the printing mechanism and push the plate back
in place.

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Disassemble the spool as shown in illustration and clip the paper end on.
Roll on some paper, put the spool together and place it back in its housing.
Printing area
Paper width
Area of print
When rolling on some paper be careful to follow the direction in which the device
operates. The paper strip must be we well tightened between the two paper-guides on
the plate.
After closing the front cover the indicator must go out and if this doesn’t occur check
wheather the paper is accurately placed through the printer mechanism and for the
correct position of the lever, which must be in its intial position.
ATTENTION! Immediately after print the printing mechanism
and the automatic paper-cutter are very hot. Leave to cool off
for several minutes before changing the paper rolls.
Paper specification:
Type: Termal paper rolls for printers
Width: 58 +0/-, ìì
Thickness: 60 - 75 mm
Diameter: 83 mm or less
Heat-sensitive layer: outer

FP-550F 15
CHAPTER 2
THE PROGRAM
INTERFACE
A detailed description

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Description of the FP-550F program interface
Version 3.00 xx, where xx is the code of the country, where the device will operate:
EN - England
BG - Bulgaria
UA - The Ukraine
RU - Russia
LT - Lithuania
RO - Rumania
INTRODUCTION
The fiscal device operates under the control of an application program, with which it
communicates via the RS232 serial connection. The device executes a previously set
of wrapped commands, arranged according to the type of the operations which have to
be executed. The application program does not have a direct access to the resources of
the fiscal device although it can detect data connected with the status of the fiscal
device and the fiscal memory.
The fiscal device performes the following types of operations:
-Saves the serial number of the fiscal device and the number of the fiscal memory;
-Saves fiscal parameters, like the tax registration number, the date of entering into
exploitation, etc.;
-Saves information on the owner - name and address, etc.;
-Saves the daily turnover in the fiscal memory and generates a daily report;
-Generating reports on concluded sales and the content of the fiscal memory;
-Dispatching data to the application program.
TAXATION CATEGORIES AND CALCULATION OF VAT
Each concluded sale can be related to a certain taxation category (VAT) defining a tax
rate, applicable to the base price used for the formation of the sale price. The fiscal
printer can operate with a maximum of 4 taxation categories, which are most often
indicated with the first letters of the language of the country, where the fiscal printer is
used-in the case of Bulgaria these letters are À,Á,Â,Ã.
Each of the taxation groups has a set tax rate (in percent) which is expressed by a digit
not greater than 99.00 and by no more than two digits after the decimal point.
Part of the four standard categories may be forbidden by using Rates fewer in the
83(53H) command. The commands for registering sales read the said four letters as a
parameter.

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FUNCTION MODES OF THE FISCAL DEVICE
The fiscal device has two functional modes:
1. The tutorial mode. The device is not fiscalized and all data needed for its
normal functioning are entered and saved in the fiscal memory with the exception of
the tax registration number of the owner. Clients receipts and be opened and closed but
they always bear the inscription that they are not fiscal. Daily financial reports with
clearing can be generated but they are not saved in the fiscal memory.
2. Normal mode. The device has been fiscalized and the tax registration number
of the owner is saved in the fiscal memory. Al fiscal rules apply.
STATUS OF THE FISCAL DEVICE
The status of the fiscal device can differ. Shifting from one to another condition is not
always possible. The control of the printer and the shifting between the different
functions - when this is possible - is executed by the application program Host (PC),
which must relate to the included protocol. If this protocol is not applied correctly the
printer might enter into an undesirable status or to skip a given functional status, leading
to an ERROR.
A) Initial status
This is the functional status in which the date and the hour are set, the number of the
fiscal memory is entered as well as the serial number and the code of the country where
the device will be operated.
THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED OPERATIONS ARE PERFORMED
PRIOR TO SELLING THE DEVICE TO THE CLIENT ONLY
BY AN AUTHORISED SERVICE SPECIALIST!
The following commands must be performed in the order in which they are presented:
61(3DH) and 91(5BH).
B) Status after the formatting of the fiscal memory.
This is the state in which the name of the currency is entered, the number of the digits
after the decimal point and the tax rates.
After performing these operations the fiscal printer is ready for delivery to the future

18 FP-550F
operator (owner). This is also the status in which the device is kept in the warehouse of
the manufacturer.
The following commands are performed in the order in which they are presented:
83 (53H) and 96(60).
C) Status when presenting the device to the client
In this functional status the header and the footer are set - the beginning and the end of
each receipt. The header contains information on the owner (name of the company,
address, BULSTAT etc.) while the footer is usually a short advertisement text.The com-
mand 43 (2BH) is performed as many times as is the number of printed lines.
D) Tutorial mode
The fiscal printer is in this status prior to fiscalization. Receipts can be issued but it
must be born in mind that they will bear the mark “non-fiscal”. The generation of a
daily turnover report with clear but it will not be saved into the fiscal memory. A tax
registration number is also entered but not into the fiscal memory and is subject to
change. The clearing of the memory does not cause an entry in the fiscal memory. The
clock may be set arbitrarily.
R) A fiscalized printer
In this functional status clients receipts may be issued and they will be marked “fiscal”.
The daily report and clear is registered in the fiscal memory and the setting of the date
is possible only ahead in relation to the last entry in the fiscal memory. The tax registration
number is registered in the FM and cannot be changed from this point on. It is
IMPOSSIBLE for the printer to exit the fiscal mode without changing the fiscal memory.
The tax registration number of the owner of the device must be know prior to fiscalization
(command 98(62H) after which the command 72(48H) must be executed.
R) Irrecoverable error in the fiscal printer
This is the status of the printer when a serious technical or logical mistake has occurred
as well as in case of fiscal memory failure. After switching ON the device in this mode
a bold sign “FATAL ERROR:4” appears. The printer does not perform commands for
opening fiscal receipts as well as documents, which save data entries into the fiscal
memory. Only diagnostic commands and periodic reports can be executed. Clearing
the RAM and placing a new fiscal memory module must be performed because the
module used before the error is now switched to the READ ONLY mode. ALL THESE
OPERATIONS MUST BE PERFORMED BY AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE
SPECIALIST.
The events, which can bring the printer to this state, are:
- Impossibility to make a correct entry in the fiscal memory;
- Invalid control sum, tax number, serial number, reg. No. of the fiscal memory or

FP-550F 19
some of the entries which have tax rates.
- Unidentified form of the fiscal memory module;
- If during the fiscal memory check up (immediately after switch ON) more than three
invalid control sums from a daily report fiscal entry are found.
The current status of the device is coded in a field 6 bytes long which is sent within
each message of the fiscal printer.
Description of each byte in this field:
Byte 0: General purpose
0.7 = 1 Reserved
0.6 = 1 Reserved
0.5 = 1 General error - OR of all errors marked with #
0.4 = 1 # Failure in printing mechanism
0.3 = 1 Not used
0.2 = 1 The clock needs setting
0.1 = 1# Code of incoming command is invalid
0.0 = 1# Incoming data has syntax error
Byte 1: General purpose
1.7 = 1 Reserved
1.6 = 1 Reserved
1.5 = 1 Printer cover is opened
1.4 = 1# RAM failure after switch ON
1.3 = 1 # Not used
1.2 = 1# Operational memory closure has been performed
1.1 = 1# If command cannot be performed in the current fiscal mode
1.0 = 1 If during command some of the fields for the sums overflow.
Status 1.1 will also be set and the command will not cause
changes to the data in the printer.
Byte 2: General purpose
2.7 = 1 Reserved
2.6 = 1 Not used
2.5 = 1 If a non-fiscal receipt has been opened
2.4 = 1 Not enough journal paper
2.3 = 1 A fiscal receipt has been opened
2.2 = 1 Journal paper end
2.1 = 1 Not enough paper - both journal and receipt paper rolls.
2.0 = 1# No paper - valid for both paper rolls. If the flag is raised during a
print-related command it will be rejected and the status of the
printer will remain unchanged.

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Byte 3: The status of the configuration keys
3.7 = 1 Reserved
3.6 = 1 Not used
3.5 = 1 Not used
3.3 = 1 If SW4 is ON sets the baud rate of the serial port.
3.2 = 1 If SW3 is ON sets the “transparent display” mode.
3.1 = 1 Not used
3.0 = 1 In the ON position the SW1 permits the automatic paper cutting
function.
Byte 4: The fiscal memory
4.7 = 1 Reserved
4.6 = 1 Reserved
4.5 = 1 OR of all mistakes marked by ‘*’ from bytes 4 and 5.
4.4 = 1* Fiscal memory is fully engaged.
4.3 = 1 If there is space for not more than 50 entries in the FM.
4.2 = 1 If there is no module “fiscal memory”
4.1 = 1 Not used
4.0 = 1* When there is an error during entry in the fiscal memory
Byte 5: The fiscal memory
5.7 = 1 Reserved
5.6 = 1 Reserved
5.5 = 1 If the serial number and the number of the fiscal memory are
programmed in advance
5.4 = 1 If tax rates have been entered at least once
5.3 = 1 If the printer is in the fiscal mode
5.2 = 1* Not used
5.1 = 1 If the fiscal memory has been formatted
5.0 = 1* If the fiscal memory is in the “read-only” mode
POWER SUPPLYCUT-OFF
The status of the printer at each particular moment is reflected in the so-called “status
bytes”. The application program must get information on the status of the printer when
switched ON after a power cut-off. This is performed by the commands 6(4AH) and
103 (67H).
The application program must make a decision on the future behavior of the printer
depending on its current status. It is guaranteed that the fiscal memory will not be
affected by the power failure as well as that all accumulated sums in the operational
memory of the device will be valid. If the power cut-off has occurred during a printing
session, when switched ON, again the printer will print a line containing the text
“*POWER OFF*” in an expanded bold type and will then complete the print.