Epson TM-T88II Series User manual

receipt printer
TM-T88II Series
Operator’s Manual
400852000

Printer Parts and Labels
Caution Lables
CAUTION:
Thermal head is hot.
ATTENTION:
La téte thermique est chaude.
VORSICHT:
Der Thermalkopf ist heiß.
ERROR
POWER
PAPER
OUT
FEED
ERROR
POWER
PAPER
OUT
FEED
Printer cover
Control panel
Cutter cover
Cover open button

Labels
Caution label above drawer kick-out connector.
Label inside
printer cover
Label inside
cutter section

i
Quick Reference
This Quick Reference will direct you to key areas of this Operator’s
Manual. For a complete listing of topics, see the Contents.
Printer Parts and Labels inside front cover
Ordering Paper page ix
Where to order paper
Setting Up the Printer page 1-1
How to set up the printer.
Installing and Replacing Paper page 1-7
How to load or change the paper roll.
Solving Problems page 3-1
How to correct problems.

ii
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko
Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the
information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the
preparation of this book, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of
this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by
purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or
unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the
U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and
maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising
from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those designated
as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson
Corporation.
EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
ESC/POS is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
NOTICE: The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 1997 by Seiko Epson Corporation, Nagano, Japan.

iii
FCC CLASS A
FCC Compliance Statement
For American Users
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 instruction manual, 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.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded printer interface cable to this printer will invalidate
the FCC Verification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed
the limits established by the FCC for this equipment.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the
equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigenves du Règlement
sur le matériel brouileur du Canada.
GEREÄUSCHPEGEL
Gemäß der Dritten Verordnung zum Gerätesicherheitsgesetz
(Maschinenlärminformations- Verordnung-3. GSGV) ist der arbeitsplatzbezogene
Geräusch-Emissionswert kleiner als 70 dB(A) (basierend auf ISO 7779).

iv
Product Name: Printer
Model Name: M129B
The printer conforms to the following Directives and Norms
Directive 89/336/EEC
EN 55022 (1987 and 1994 2nd/1995) Class B
EN 50082-1 (1992)
IEC 801-2 (1991)
IEC 801-3 (1984)
IEC 801-4 (1988)
Directive 90/384/EEC
EN45501: (1992)
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

v
EMI and Safety Standards Applied
The following standards are applied only to the printers that are so
labeled. (EMC is tested using the EPSON PS-170 power supply)
Europe: CE marking
EN55022
EN50082-1
EN45501
Safety Standard: TÜV (EN 60950)
North America: EMI: FCC Class A
Safety standards: UL 1950-2TH-D3
C-UL
Japan: EMI: VCCI Class 1
Oceania: EMI: AS/NZS 3548 Class B

vi
About This Manual
Setting Up and Using
❏Chapter 1 contains information on unpacking the printer and setting it up.
❏Chapter 2 contains information on using the printer.
❏Chapter 3 contains troubleshooting information.
Reference
❏Chapter 4 contains specifications.
❏Appendix A tells how to change the DIP switch and paper near end settings,
and Appendix B lists the EPSON Sales Subsidiaries and their addresses.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
WARNING:
Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid serious bodily
injury.
CAUTION:
Cautions must be observed to avoid minor injury to yourself or
damage to your equipment.
Note:
Notes have important information and useful tips on the operation of your
printer.

Introduction vii
Introduction
Features
The TM-T88 II Series are high-quality POS printers that can print on a paper roll. The
printers have the following features:
Printing
❏High speed printing: 28.4 lines/second (1/6 inch feed) maximum.
❏Low-noise thermal printing.
❏High reliability due to a stable mechanism.
Application Software
❏Command protocol is based on the ESC/POS™ standard.
❏Various layouts are possible by using page mode.
❏Characters can be scaled up to 64 times as large as the standard size. Smoothing
is also possible.
❏Bar code printing is possible by using a bar code command. Bar codes can be
printed both in the vertical direction (fence bar code) and in the horizontal
direction (ladder bar code).
❏Repeated operation and copy printing are possible by using macro definitions.
❏Character font size (12 x 24 font or 9 x 17 font) can be selected using a command.
Printer Handling
❏Easy paper roll loading.
❏An auto-cutter is standard.
❏The printer allows easy maintenance for tasks such as head cleaning.
❏Four different print densities can be selected by DIP switches.
❏The built-in interface provides control capability for two drawers.

viii Introduction
❏Available non-volatile bit image buffer (256K bytes)
Options and Accessories
❏EPSON power supply unit, PS-170.
❏Affixing tapes (model : DF-10).
❏RS-485 interface board can be equipped as a dealer option.
❏Wall hanging bracket set (WH-10)

Introduction ix
Ordering Paper and Supplies
Thermal roll paper can be ordered from the supplier in your area.
Specified Thermal Roll Paper: NTP080-80
In Japan: Nakagawa Seisakujo
2-5-21 Nishiki-Cho Warabi-Shi
Saitama-Ken 335 Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
In U.S.A.: Nakagawa Mfg (USA) Inc.
2305 Lincoln Avenue
Hayward, CA 94545 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
In Europe: Nakagawa Mfg (Europe) GmbH.
Krützpoort 16, 47804
Krefeld, Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
In Southeast Asia: N.A.K. Mfg (Malaysia) SDN BHD
Lot 19-11, Bersatu Industrial Complexs,
Jalan Satu, Kaw Per. Cheras Jaya,.
Balakong Industrial Area, 43200 Cheras.
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

x Introduction
Other Qualified Suppliers for Thermal Paper
The following suppliers sell thermal paper that may be used if
desired. Contact each company for information.
Original paper: TF50KS-E
Nippon Paper Industry Co., Ltd.
1-12-1, Yuraku-Cho, Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 100 Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Original paper: PD 160R
New Oji Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
7-5 Ginza 4-Chome Chuo-Ku
Tokyo 104 Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Original paper: AF50KS-E
Jujo Thermal Oy (Finland)
P.O. Box 92 FIN27501 Kauttua Finland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Original paper: P350(F380)
P310
Kanzaki Specialty Papers, Inc.
1500 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01115 U.S.A.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

xi
Contents
Quick Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Chapter 1 Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Connecting the Cables and Grounding the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installing or Replacing the Paper Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Using the Power Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Running the self test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Adjustments and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Chapter 2 Using the Printer
Operating the Control Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Chapter 3 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Printing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Cleaning the print head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Paper handling problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Auto cutter problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Hexadecimal Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

xii
Chapter 4 Reference Information
Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Paper Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Appendix A DIP Switch and Paper Near End Settings
Setting the DIP Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Adjusting the Paper Near End Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Appendix B EPSON Sales Subsidiaries

Setting Up the Printer 1-1
Chapter 1
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking
Your printer box should include these items. If any items are
damaged or missing, please contact your dealer for assistance.
See the note on page 1-3 for information about the hexagonal lock screws.
ERROR
POWER
PAPER
OUT
FEED
Printer
Hexagonal
lock screws Switch cover
Paper roll

1-2 Setting Up the Printer
Connecting the Cables and Grounding the Printer
You can connect up to four cables to the printer. They all connect to
the connector panel on the back of the printer, which is shown
below:
Notes:
There is a caution label above the drawer kick-out connector.
Depending on the interface installed, the interface connector on
your printer may look different from the one illustrated.
Before connecting any of the cables, make sure that both the printer
and the computer are turned off.
Connecting the computer
You need an appropriate interface cable.
1. Plug the cable connector securely into the printer’s interface
connector.
DK
DC24V
FG
FG
Power supply
Drawer kick-out
Interface
Grounding screw
(The shape of the interface
connector is different from
the illustration if the printer
hsa a parallel interface.)

Setting Up the Printer 1-3
2. If the printer has a serial interface, tighten the screws on both
sides of the cable connector.
Note:
Your printer has inch-type hexagonal lock screws installed. If
your interface cable requires millimeter-type screws, replace the
inch-type screws with the enclosed millimeter-type screws using
a hex screwdriver (5 mm).
If the printer has a parallel interface, squeeze the wire clip on
the printer together until they lock in place on both sides of the
connector.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the computer.
Connecting the Drawer
WARNING:
Use a drawer that matches the printer specification. Using an
improper drawer may damage the drawer as well as the
printer.
CAUTION:
Inch screw Millimeter screw

1-4 Setting Up the Printer
Do not connect a telephone line to the drawer kick-out
connector; otherwise the printer and the telephone line may
be damaged.
Plug the drawer cable into the drawer kick-out connector on the
back of the printer next to the power supply connector.
Anschließen der Lade
WARNUNG:
Eine für den Drucker geeignete Lade verwenden. Bei
Verwendung einer falschen Lade kann diese oder der
Drucker beschädigt werden.
ACHTUNG:
Kein Telefonkabel an die Schnappsteckerbuchse
anschließen, da sonst der Drucker und die Telefonkabel
beschädigt werden können.

Setting Up the Printer 1-5
Das Kabel der Lade an die Schnappsteckerbuchse hinten am
Drucker neben dem Netßzanschluß anschließen.
Grounding the Printer
You need a ground wire to ground your printer. Make sure that the
wire is AWG 18 or equivalent.
1. Make sure that the printer is turned off.
2. Connect the ground wire to the printer using one of the the FG
screws on the back of the printer, as shown.
Connecting the Power Supply
Use the optional EPSON PS-170 or equivalent power supply for
your printer.
DK
DC24V
FG
FG