Epson TM-T88V Use and care manual

Technical Reference Guide
Describes features of the Product.
Describes setup and installation of the product.
Describes how to handle the product.
Describes advanced usage methods for the product.
Describes how to control the printer and necessary informa-
tion when you develop applications.
Describes precautions for replacement.
Describes general specications and character codes.
M00024306
Rev. F
Product Overview
Setup
Application Development Information
Handling
Replacement of the TM-T88IV
Appendix
Advanced Usage

2
Cautions
• No part of this document 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.
• The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for the latest
information.
• While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, Seiko Epson Corpora-
tion 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 the 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.
Trademarks
EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Exceed Your Vision and ESC/POS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Microsoft®and Windows®are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
The Bluetooth®word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any
use of such marks by Seiko Epson Corporation is under license.
IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under
license.
Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.
Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Linux®is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purpose
only.
ESC/POS®Command System
Epson ESC/POS is a proprietary POS printer command system that includes patented or patent-
pending commands. ESC/POS is compatible with most Epson POS printers and displays.
ESC/POS is designed to reduce the processing load on the host computer in POS environments. It
comprises a set of highly functional and efficient commands and also offers the flexibility to easily make
future upgrades.
© Seiko Epson Corporation 2010-2015. All rights reserved.

3
For Safety
Key to Symbols
The symbols in this manual are identified by their level of importance, as defined below. Read
the following carefully before handling the product.
WARNING
You must follow warnings carefully to avoid serious bodily injury.
CAUTION
Provides information that must be observed to prevent damage to the equipment or loss of
data.
•Possibility of sustaining physical injuries.
•Possibility of causing physical damage.
•Possibility of causing information loss.
Provides information that must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment or a
malfunction.
Provides important information and useful tips.

4
Warnings
WARNING
•To avoid risk of electric shock, do not set up this product or handle cables during
a thunderstorm
•Never insert or disconnect the power plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in severe shock.
•Handle the power cable with care.
Improper handling may lead to fire or electric shock.
∗Do not modify or attempt to repair the cable.
∗Do not place any heavy object on top of the cable.
∗Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and pulling.
∗Do not place the cable near heating equipment.
∗Check that the plug is clean before plugging it in.
∗Be sure to push the plug all the way in.
•Be sure to use the specified power source.
Connection to an improper power source may cause fire or shock.
•Do not place multiple loads on the power outlet.
Overloading the outlet may lead to fire.
•Shut down your equipment immediately if it produces smoke, a strange odor, or
unusual noise.
Continued use may lead to fire. Immediately unplug the equipment and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
•Never attempt to repair this product yourself.
Improper repair work can be dangerous.
•Never disassemble or modify this product.
Tampering with this product may result in injury or fire.
•Do not allow foreign matter to fall into the equipment.
Penetration by foreign objects may lead to fire.
•If water or other liquid spills into this equipment, do not continue to use it.
Continued use may lead to fire. Unplug the power cord immediately and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
•If you open the DIP switch cover, be sure to close the cover and tighten the screw
after adjusting the DIP switch.
Using this product with the cover open may cause fire or electric shock.
•Do not use aerosol sprayers containing flammable gas inside or around this
product.
Doing so may cause fire.

5
Cautions
Restriction of Use
When this product is used for applications requiring high reliability/safety, such as
transportation devices related to aviation, rail, marine, automotive, etc.; disaster prevention
devices; various safety devices, etc.; or functional/precision devices, etc., you should use this
product only after giving consideration to including fail-safes and redundancies into your
design to maintain safety and total system reliability. Because this product was not intended for
use in applications requiring extremely high reliability/safety, such as aerospace equipment,
main communication equipment, nuclear power control equipment, or medical equipment
related to direct medical care, etc., please make your own judgment on this product's suitability
after a full evaluation.
CAUTION
•Do not connect cables in ways other than those mentioned in this manual.
Different connections may cause equipment damage or fire.
•Be sure to set this equipment on a firm, stable, horizontal surface.
The product may break or cause injury if it falls.
•Do not knock or strike the printer. This may cause defective print.
•Do not use this product in locations subject to high humidity or dust levels.
Excessive humidity and dust may cause equipment damage or fire.
•Do not place heavy objects on top of this product. Never stand or lean on this
product.
Equipment may fall or collapse, causing breakage and possible injury.
•Take care not to injure your fingers on the manual cutter
∗When you remove printed paper
∗When you perform other operations such as loading/replacing roll paper
•Do not open the roll paper cover without taking the necessary precautions, as this
can result in injury from the autocutter fixed blade.
•To ensure safety, unplug this product before leaving it unused for an extended
period.
•Using in the presence of silicon gas (silicon adhesive, silicon oil, silicon powder,
etc.) including siloxane and of malignant gas (nitric acid, hydrosulfuric, ammonia,
chlorine, etc.) may cause contact failure at contact points in a mechanical switch
and a DC motor, etc., in a short time because of adhesion or oxidization of the
insulation film.

6
About this Manual
Aim of the Manual
This manual provides developers/engineers with all the necessary information for design,
development and installation of a POS system, and also design and development of a printer
application.
Manual Content
The manual is made up of the following sections:
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Chapter 2 Setup
Chapter 3 Handling
Chapter 4 Advanced Usage
Chapter 5 Application Development Information
Chapter 6 Replacement of the TM-T88IV
Appendix Product Specifications
Option Specifications
Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors
Character Code Tables

7
Contents
■For Safety...............................................................................................................................3
Key to Symbols ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cautions.................................................................................................................................................. 5
■Restriction of Use ..................................................................................................................5
■About this Manual ................................................................................................................6
Aim of the Manual................................................................................................................................. 6
Manual Content .................................................................................................................................... 6
■Contents ................................................................................................................................7
Product Overview ........................................................................11
■Features ...............................................................................................................................11
■Product Configurations ......................................................................................................13
Interfaces.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Buzzer .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Accessories........................................................................................................................................... 14
■Part Names and Functions.................................................................................................15
Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Power Switch Cover............................................................................................................................. 16
Roll paper cover/Cover open button ............................................................................................... 16
Cutter cover ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Control Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Connectors........................................................................................................................................... 18
■Online and Offline ..............................................................................................................19
Online.................................................................................................................................................... 19
Offline .................................................................................................................................................... 19
■Error Status ...........................................................................................................................20
Automatically Recoverable Errors ..................................................................................................... 20
Recoverable Errors............................................................................................................................... 20
Unrecoverable Errors ........................................................................................................................... 21
■NV Memory .........................................................................................................................22
NV Graphics Memory.......................................................................................................................... 22
User NV Memory .................................................................................................................................. 22
Memory Switches (Customized Value) ............................................................................................. 23
R/E (Receipt Enhancement) .............................................................................................................. 23
User-defined Page ............................................................................................................................... 23
Maintenance Counter ........................................................................................................................ 23

8
Setup .............................................................................................25
■Flow of Setup....................................................................................................................... 25
■Installing the Printer............................................................................................................ 26
Important Notes on Horizontal Installation ........................................................................................26
Important Notes on Wall Hanging......................................................................................................26
■Changing the Paper Width................................................................................................ 27
■Adjusting the Paper Roll Near-End Sensor ....................................................................... 29
■Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................. 30
Connecting the AC adapter ..............................................................................................................30
■Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer................................................................. 32
For Serial Interface................................................................................................................................32
For Parallel Interface ............................................................................................................................34
For USB Interface...................................................................................................................................35
For Ethernet Interface ..........................................................................................................................38
For Wireless LAN Interface ...................................................................................................................39
For Bluetooth Interfaces.......................................................................................................................39
■Connecting the Cash Drawer ........................................................................................... 40
Connecting the Drawer Kick Cable...................................................................................................40
■Setting the Built-in Buzzer
(for Model with a Built-in Buzzer) ...................................................................................... 42
■Connecting the Optional External Buzzer........................................................................ 43
Installing a Buzzer..................................................................................................................................43
Printer Settings.......................................................................................................................................43
■Attaching the Connector Cover ....................................................................................... 45
■Arranging the Cables ........................................................................................................ 47
Handling .......................................................................................49
■Installing and Replacing Roll Paper ................................................................................. 49
■Removing Jammed Paper ................................................................................................ 51
■Cleaning the Printer ........................................................................................................... 53
Cleaning the Printer Case ...................................................................................................................53
Cleaning the Thermal Head/Platen Roller ........................................................................................53
■Preparing for Transport....................................................................................................... 54
Advanced Usage.........................................................................55
■Setting the DIP Switches..................................................................................................... 55
Setting Procedure.................................................................................................................................55

9
For Serial Interface............................................................................................................................... 56
For Parallel Interface............................................................................................................................ 58
For Built-in USB Interface...................................................................................................................... 59
For Ethernet/Wireless LAN/USB Interface........................................................................................... 60
Bluetooth Interface.............................................................................................................................. 61
Selecting the Print Density (DIP Switches 2-3/2-4) ............................................................................ 62
Selecting the BUSY Status.................................................................................................................... 62
■Setting the Memory Switches
(Customized Value)............................................................................................................63
Functions............................................................................................................................................... 64
■Setting/Checking Modes...................................................................................................68
Self-test Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 69
NV Graphics Information Print Mode ................................................................................................ 70
Receipt Enhancement Information Print Mode............................................................................... 71
Memory Switch Setting Mode............................................................................................................ 71
Hexadecimal Dumping Mode ........................................................................................................... 73
Application Development Information......................................75
■Controlling the Printer.........................................................................................................75
ESC/POS................................................................................................................................................ 75
■Controlling the Cash Drawer .............................................................................................76
■Controlling the Built-in Buzzer............................................................................................77
■Controlling the Optional External Buzzer..........................................................................78
■Software and Manuals .......................................................................................................79
Development Kits................................................................................................................................. 79
Drivers.................................................................................................................................................... 80
Utilities.................................................................................................................................................... 81
Download............................................................................................................................................. 82
Replacement of the TM-T88IV ....................................................83
■Compatibility ......................................................................................................................83
Printing .................................................................................................................................................. 83
Print Density .......................................................................................................................................... 83
Two-Color Printing ................................................................................................................................ 83
Number of Head Energizing Parts...................................................................................................... 83
Printable Area (for 80 mm Width Paper)........................................................................................... 84
Cutting Method ................................................................................................................................... 84
Manual Paper Feed ............................................................................................................................ 84
Receive Buffer ...................................................................................................................................... 84
Memory Capacity............................................................................................................................... 84
Electrical Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 84
DIP Switches ......................................................................................................................................... 85
Printer Status ......................................................................................................................................... 85
Logo Registration ................................................................................................................................. 85

10
Driver Compatibility .............................................................................................................................85
USB Low Power Consumption Mode ..................................................................................................86
Maintenance Counter.........................................................................................................................86
Buzzer .....................................................................................................................................................86
Power Supply Box..................................................................................................................................86
Overall Dimensions ...............................................................................................................................87
■Additional Functions and Functional Improvements...................................................... 88
Paper Width ..........................................................................................................................................88
Print Speed............................................................................................................................................88
Barcodes ...............................................................................................................................................88
Number of Characters.........................................................................................................................89
Image Tone Setting ..............................................................................................................................89
Interface................................................................................................................................................89
USB Class................................................................................................................................................89
Coupon Printing ...................................................................................................................................89
Customized Value ................................................................................................................................90
R/E Information Printing Mode ............................................................................................................90
Low Power Load Mode........................................................................................................................91
Reliability ...............................................................................................................................................91
Appendix......................................................................................93
■Product Specifications....................................................................................................... 93
Printing Specifications ..........................................................................................................................94
Character Specifications.....................................................................................................................95
Printable Area.......................................................................................................................................96
Printing and Cutting Positions..............................................................................................................98
Paper Specifications ............................................................................................................................99
Electrical Characteristics...................................................................................................................100
Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................................101
External Dimensions and Mass..........................................................................................................102
■Option Specifications ...................................................................................................... 103
AC adapter (PS-180)..........................................................................................................................103
■Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors................................................................ 104
RS-232 Serial Interface........................................................................................................................104
IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface................................................................................................................107
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Interface...................................................................................................110
■Character Code Tables ................................................................................................... 111

Chapter 1 Product Overview
11
1
Product Overview
This chapter describes features of the product.
Features
Printing
• High speed printing (300 mm/s maximum).
• Shifting from 80 mm width paper printing to 58 mm width paper printing is available.
• Multi-tone graphic printing.
• Coupon print function is supported.
Handling
• Easy drop-in paper loading
Software
• Command protocol is based on the ESC/POS Proprietary Command System.
• OPOS ADK, OPOS ADK for .NET, JavaPOS ADK, and Windows printer drivers are available.
• In addition to supporting several kinds of bar code printing, DS1 DataBar printing and two-
dimensional symbol (PDF417, QR code, MaxiCode, Composite Symbology) printing are
possible.
• Various layouts are possible by using page mode.
• A maintenance counter function is supported.
• User-defined font function is supported.
• Paper-saving function is supported.
• Image tone can be changed.
• The remote configuration tool allows you to check the status of and configure the printer
connected to a computer on the network.
• The TM-T88V is ENERGY STAR qualified. (Some configurations may be exempted,
depending on their components.)

12
Others
• Various interface boards (Epson UB series*) can be used.
• Built-in USB interface is also available for all interface models.
• The TM-T88V Software & Documents Disc (drivers, utility, and manuals).
* Except the following interface boards with the buzzer function
∗UB-E02A, UB-R02A, UB-R03A

Chapter 1 Product Overview
13
1
Product Configurations
Interfaces
• Serial UB + built-in USB interface model
• Parallel UB + built-in USB interface model
•USBUB
• Ethernet UB
• Wireless LAN UB
Buzzer
• Model with the built-in buzzer
• Optional external buzzer
CAUTION
For this printer, never use a LAN interface board or a wireless LAN interface board
with a buzzer function.
Otherwise, the printer or the interface board may be damaged.
The name of interface boards with a buzzer function has “A” at the end.
Example) UB-E**A, UB-R**A (*: alphanumeric character)
The optional external buzzer and the built-in buzzer cannot be used together at the same
time.
㩷
Built-in USB interface
(May be covered with a
plate for some models.)
Interface board (UB):
Serial/Parallel/USB/
Ethernet/Wireless LAN

14
Accessories
Included
• Roll paper (for operation check)
•Powerswitchcover
• Connector cover
• Roll paper guide for 58 mm width paper*
• Two strips for the roll paper guide*
• Screw for the roll paper guide*
• The TM-T88V Software & Documents Disc (drivers, utilities, and documentation) *
• Warranty certificate*
• Setup Guide or User’s manual
* May not be included depending on the model.
Options
•ACadapter
•ACcable
• Power supply box (Model: OT-BX88V)
• Affixing tape for fixing the printer (Model: DF-10)
• Wall hanging bracket (Model: WH-10)
• Interface boards (UB series)
• Optional external buzzer (Model: OT-BZ20)

Chapter 1 Product Overview
15
1
Part Names and Functions
Power Switch
Turns the printer on or off. The marks on the switch: ( : OFF/ : ON)
CAUTION
Before turning on the printer, be sure to check that the AC adapter is connected to
the power supply.
Before turning the printer off, it is recommended to send a power-off command to the
printer. If you use the power-off sequence, the latest maintenance counter values are
saved. (Maintenance counter values are usually saved every two minutes.)
For detailed information about ESC/POS commands, see the ESC/POS Application
Programming Guide.
Roll paper cover
Control panel
Cover open button
Power switch
Cutter cover
Power switch cover
Connector
cover

16
Power Switch Cover
Install the power switch cover that comes with the TM-T88V onto the printer to prevent
inadvertent changing of the power switch, to prevent tampering, and to improve the appearance
of the printer.
To reset the printer when the power switch cover is installed, insert a long, thin object (such as
the end of a paper clip) into the hole in the power switch cover and press the power switch.
Roll paper cover/Cover open button
• When loading and replacing roll paper, use the cover open button to open the roll paper cover.
• Do not open the cover during printing or while the auto cutter is operating.
Cutter cover
Houses the autocutter. Open this when you need to move the cutter manually.
Control Panel
WARNING
If an accident occurs with the power switch cover attached, unplug the power cord
immediately.
Continued use of the printer may cause fire or shock.
(Power) LED
Error LED
Paper LED
Feed button

Chapter 1 Product Overview
17
1
LEDs
Power LED (green)
• Lights when the power supply is on.
• Goes out when the power supply is turned off.
Error LED
Lights or flashes when the printer is offline.
• Lights after the power is turned on or after a reset (offline). Automatically goes out after a
while to indicate that the printer is ready.
• Lights when the end of the roll paper is detected, and when printing has stopped (offline). If
this happens, replace the roll paper.
• Flashes when an error occurs. (For details about the flash codes, see "Error Status" on page 20.)
• Goes out during regular operation (online).
Paper LED
• Lights when there is no more roll paper or there is little remaining.
• Off when there is a sufficient amount of roll paper remaining.
• Flashes when a self-test is in progress.
Feed button
Pressing this button once feeds the roll paper by one line. Holding this button down feeds the
roll paper continuously.

18
Connectors
All cables are connected to the connector panel on the lower rear of the printer.
• Drawer kick connector: Connects a cash drawer or the optional external buzzer.
• Interface connector: Connects the printer with the host computer interface.
• Power supply connector: Connects the power supply unit
The picture above shows a serial interface model. For details on the various interfaces and
how to connect the power supply connector and cash drawer, see "Connecting the Printer
to the Host Computer" on page 32 and "Connecting the Cash Drawer" on page 40.
Drawer kick
(DK)
Power supply
Serial interface
Parallel interface
USB interface (Built-in/UB)
Ethernet interface
USB Plus Power

Chapter 1 Product Overview
19
1
Online and Offline
Online
When no events to go offline have occurred, the printer is online and ready for normal printing.
Offline
The printer automatically goes offline under the following conditions:
• During power on (including resetting with the interface) until the printer is ready.
• During the self-test.
• When the roll paper cover is open.
• While roll paper is fed using the Feed button.
• When printing stops due to end of paper. (When the roll paper end sensor detects the end of
paper or the printer is set so that printing stops upon detection of roll paper near-end.)
• Macro execution standby state.
• When an error has occurred.

20
Error Status
There are three possible error types: automatically recoverable errors, recoverable errors, and
unrecoverable errors.
Automatically Recoverable Errors
Printing is no longer possible when automatically recoverable errors occur. They can be
recovered easily, as described below.
Recoverable Errors
Printing is no longer possible when recoverable errors occur. They can be recovered easily by
turning the power on again or sending an error recovery command from the driver after
eliminating the cause of the error.
Error Error description Error LED flash code Recovery measure
Roll paper
cover open
error
The roll paper cover
was opened during
printing.
Recovers automatically
when the roll paper
cover is closed.
Print head
temperature
error
A high temperature
outside the head drive
operating range was
detected.
Recovers automatically
when the print head
cools.
Error Error description Error LED flash code Recovery measure
Autocutter
error
Autocutter does not
work correctly.
Remove the jammed
paper or foreign matter
in the printer, close the
roll paper cover, send
the error recovery
command, or turn the
power on to recover.
The error recovery command is valid only if a recoverable error (excluding automatically
recoverable errors) occurs.
LED ON
LED OFF
Approx. 160 ms
LED ON
LED OFF
Approx. 160 ms
LED ON
LED OFF
Approx. 160 ms
Approx. 2560 ms